[Reconstruction of heel by reversed island fibular musculocutaneous flap].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the anatomical basis of blood supply and heel reconstruction by reversed island fibular musculocutaneous flap.

METHODS

The blood supply of fibular musculocutaneous flap and the biomechanical characteristics of heel were studied by anatomical examination. One case with right heel full defect because of explosion injury was repaired by transfer of reversed island fibular vessels. The fibular flap was 14 cm in length with part of peroneus muscle and long flexor muscle of great toe.

RESULTS

The lower part of fibular artery had plentiful anastomosis with anterior tibial artery and posterior tibial artery, which could provide ideal reversed blood supply. The rotatory point of vessel pedicle could be chosen according to the need of operation. The lowest site might be above 6 cm to lateral malleolus, and the vessel pedicle was 20 cm in length. The morphological feature of the reversed island fibular musculocutaneous flap was suitable to the biomechanical character of heel. The patient achieved satisfactory clinical result, the musculocutaneous flap survived well for 10 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The reversed island fibular musculocutaneous flap provide a new method for repairing the severe heel defect, especially in full defect of calcaneus and cuboid bone.