Free medial plantar flap for reconstruction of plantar defects / 中华整形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To investigate the application of free medial plantar flap for reconstruction of plantar defects, so as to restore cosmetic and functional sole.@*Methods@#19 Patients(16 males and 3 females) with soft tissue defects at the plantar feet, aged from 6 to 53 years old, were treated in our department, including 5 forefoot defects and 14 heel defects. Free medial plantar flaps at the contraside were used to repair the defects. The size of the flap ranged from 4 cm×5 cm to 6.5 cm×12 cm.@*Results@#All the flaps and skin grafts survived without complications. Nine patients underwent follow-up for 3 to 12 months, the contour and walking function were satisfactory with no ulcers.@*Conclusions@#Free medial plantar flap for reconstruction of plantar defect provides a long-term favorable functional and aesthetic outcome, indicating its' feasibility and efficiency for weight-bearing plantar foot reconstruction.