The flap-bag technique: A new closure technique for treatment of cleft foot deformities with two central ray deficiencies.

BACKGROUND

The use of conventional techniques in treating cleft foot deformities with two central ray deficiencies often yields unsatisfactory outcomes. This study describes the flap-bag technique, a novel technique using both a dorsal rectangular flap and a plantar triangular flap that was designed to yield more favorable outcomes in the treatment of this condition, and the outcomes obtained for three patients surgically treated with this technique.

METHODS

After the proper width of the forefoot was measured by manually holding the toes to maintain a transverse arch around the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, a plantar triangular flap was designed. A dorsally based rectangular flap was subsequently designed on the dorsal side of the interdigital portion, including the deepest side of the cleft, to create a natural dorsal slope.

RESULTS

Application of this technique yielded favorable outcomes by maintaining the width and transverse arch of the forefoot, preventing dorsal scarring, and creating a natural interdigital space and dorsal slope.

CONCLUSION

Compared to the use of conventional techniques, use of the flap-bag technique achieves correction of a cleft foot with a more cosmetically desirable outcome.