Treatment of late ulceration in free muscle flaps to the foot.

Abstract

One of the preferred methods for the repair of large defects of the foot has been the use of free muscle flaps covered with skin grafts. Although this method has served well, some patients will experience ulceration in the weight-bearing surface. Three cases are reported in which small ulcerations developed in the heel after reconstruction of traumatic defects with muscle free flaps. All three patients were treated with a neurovascular island flap from the side of the great toe. All three patients are active young males, and all three patients have subsequently maintained intact skin for an average of 6.8 years (range, 5.1 to 9.1 years).