RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the therapeutic effect of island flap pedicled with lateral tarsal artery for forefoot skin defect.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From March 2007 to January 2009, 12 cases with forefoot skin defects were treated by reversed island flap pedicled with lateral tarsal artery.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the flaps survived completely with a followed-up period of 8-22 months, 13 months in average. The flaps and skin grafts had soft texture and a similar color as the surrounding skin. The flaps had a suitable thickness with deep pain sensation. Shallow touch and pain sensation recovered in the skin graft and within 1-2 cm of the flap edge, which was graded as S1-S2. There was no problem in shoes-wearing and walking. No flap ulcer happened.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Island flap pedicled with lateral tarsal artery is suitable for forefoot skin defect, leaving less morbidity to donor site.</p>