[Repair of soft tissue defect on heel with island-shaped fascial flap of lateral foot].

OBJECTIVE

To research the result of defect repairing on heel with island-shaped fascial flap of lateral foot.

METHODS

Twelve cases of soft tissue defected on heel, who were resulted from trauma, chronic ulcer, chronic osteomyelitis, squamous carcinoma, and necrosis following frozen injury, were treated by transfer of island-shaped fasical flap of lateral foot.

RESULTS

Only 2 patients suffered marginal necrosis of flap in early stage and healed after changing dressing. The others succeeded completely. All the cases were followed up for 8 to 78 months. There was no recurrence of squamous carcinoma, no fistula or necrosis bone formed. The sensation of the flap recovered. The repaired area was similar to the heel in skin texture.

CONCLUSION

For the characteristics of heel skin, the transfer of island-shaped fascial flap of lateral foot has the following advantages: Similar structure of skin, reliable nerve and blood supply, simple operative techniques, and large area of donor flap.