Reconstruction Of Plantar Foot Defects Using Medial Plantar Artery Flap: Our Experience

ABSTRACT

Background: Reconstruction of full-thickness plantar foot defects present a challenge to surgeons. These defects ideally should be reconstructed with durable sensate tissue. Despite the numerous procedures that have been described for resurfacing these plantar, to achieve a sensate foot with normal function still remains an intricate task. We present our clinical experience of plantar foot defects reconstructed using medial plantar artery flap. Methods: 18 patients with defects of the plantar surface of the foot were reconstructed using medial plantar artery flap.All the flaps were raised as sensate fasciocutaneouspedicled flaps based on the medial plantar artery. The donor site was closed using a split thickness graft. Results: In 13 patients the defect healed with good results and no complications within 4 weeks, 3 patients presented with superficial epidermolysis in the periphery and 1 patient had a flap loss. 2 patients had partial graft loss in the secondary defect. Conclusion: In our experience medial plantar artery flap cover is a durable option for sole defects with acceptable aesthetic and functional outcomes. Donor site morbidity is minimal. This flap is a safe reliable and technically easy alternative flap coverage for plantar defects especially around the heel.