[Reconstruction of plantar regions with free radial forearm flaps after frostbite of both feet--case report and literature review].

Treatment of 49 year old male with frostbite of feet is presented. The treatment included reconstruction of plantar surfaces in the both feet. Necrotic tissues were excised seven weeks after the injury and the wounds were split skin grafted. Two staged reconstruction with free neurovascular radial forearm flaps was carried out 15 and 20 weeks after the frostbite. The both flaps healed without complications. The patient recovered touch sensibility in the flap skin after 6 months and than he was able to walk. He returned to his professional job. 12 years after the reconstruction the patient can move freely using orthopedic shoes. His full weight bearing time amounts to 3 hours per day. In case of longer trips he takes elbow crouches with him just for assecuration. Pain and touch sensibility is very good and evenly distributed. 2PD on the plantar surfaces is similar and amounts to 12-15 mm. Meticulous feet care decreased hyperkeratosis thus preventing pressure sore and ulceration. No complications were observed in the donor site.