ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of foot and ankle defects requires selecting an appropriate durable and aesthetically appealing option. From the different options, the procedure's choice depends on the defect's size, location, and donor area's availability. Patients' main goal is to have an acceptable biomechanical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, we have included patients who had undergone reconstruction of the ankle and foot defects between January 2019 and June 2021. Patient demographics, location and size of the defect, different procedures, complications, sensory recovery, ankle hindfoot score, and satisfaction score were recorded. RESULTS: 50 patients with foot and ankle defects were enrolled in this study. All flaps survived except one free anterolateral thigh flap. Five locoregional flaps developed minor complications, and all skin grafts healed well. The Ankle Hindfoot Score outcome has no significant relation with the anatomical location of the defects and the reconstructive procedure. All patients reconstructed using random local flap and with free flap were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Because of limited soft tissue, local flap availability is restricted to small defects. Satisfaction rates are high in local and free flaps and are best suited for reconstructing the weight-bearing part of the foot. Bulky flaps should be avoided over the dorsum and ankle region.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Sensory recovery and durability of the flap is the primary goal of heel soft tissue reconstruction. From the different options, the choice of the flap depends on the size of the defect, its location, and the availability of the donor area. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 40 patients having heel defects were included from Jan 2016 to Dec 2018 in which different flaps were used for the reconstruction. The outcome was evaluated in terms of flap survival, recovery of sensation, the durability of coverage, and functional denouement. We also analysed the outcome between neuropathic and non-neuropathic ulcers of the heel. RESULTS: Out of 40 patients' medial plantar artery islanded flap was performed in eight cases, extended reverse sural flap in 16 cases, islanded reverse sural flap in six cases, local flaps in six cases, cross-leg flap in two cases, and free Latissimus Dorsi muscle flaps with Skin Graft cover in two cases. The patients were observed for a mean follow-up time of 15 months (12-20 months). Only two flaps showed marginal necrosis as an immediate complication. The majority of the flaps were tenacious in the follow-up period except for the six flaps that developed delayed ulceration. Return of protective sensation (P=0.006) and mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society subjective score (P=0.025) was significantly higher in the non-neuropathic ulcer group. CONCLUSION: Locoregional flaps can cover most of the heel defects with a satisfactory outcome. The functional outcome was lower in the reconstructed neuropathic heel ulcer group.
ABSTRACT
The reconstruction of the scalp following avulsion injury has always been a great challenge for plastic surgeons. Here we report a 25 yr old female presented with necrosis of left temporoparietal scalp skin over left temporo-parietal region following history of avulsion injury of the scalp four days back at all India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, India in 2018. After removal of the necrosed skin, the defect was successfully covered with Bipedicle fronto-occipital flap.
ABSTRACT
Post-traumatic wounds over the dorsum of the foot are commonly seen in our practice. Road traffic accidents, crush injuries due to the fall of heavy objects and burns are common causes of these injures. The subcutaneous tissue in this region is very thin, and the tendons and bone are frequently exposed in these wounds. Since the skin is loosely attached to the underlying tendons, ligaments, and bones, the skin of the dorsum of the foot is also vulnerable to avulsion trauma. Added to this, there is a paucity of local tissues for coverage. Hence the management of these wounds is quite challenging. Through this article, we intend to describe our experience with traumatic dorsal foot wounds. A total of 33 patients were eligible according to the inclusion criteria and their details were included in the final analysis. There were 26 (78.79%) males and 7 (21.21%) females, with a male to female ratio of 3.71:1. The age of the study patients ranged from 8 to 62 years, with a mean age and standard deviation of 34.39 and 13.566 respectively. Majority of the study patients were in the 21-30 years age group (n=10, 30.3%). Road traffic accidents were the most common cause of traumatic dorsal foot wounds (n=20, 60.61%). Majority of the wounds showed features suggestive of infection (n=22, 66.67%) at presentation. Most of the patients in our study needed surgical intervention, in addition to medical management (n=28, 84.84%). Surgical procedures performed include split-thickness skin grafts, local flaps and free flaps. Early complications occurred in 5 (15.15%) patients and late complications in 2 (6.06%) patients. In conclusion, post-traumatic wounds of the dorsum of the foot are very common and pose a difficult reconstructive challenge. Skin grafts, local tissue flaps and free flap options are available for reconstruction; selection of the appropriate option should be individualized in a given patient. Local or distant flaps should be preferred in comparison to skin grafts, because of their long term durability and lesser chances of contractures. Reconstruction must consider form, function, and aesthetics.
