Reconstruction of the Heel and Distal Leg Using Pedicled Dorsalis Pedis Island Flap

유경 족배 도서형 피판을 이용한 족부 및 하지 원위부 재건술

Purpose : Soft tissue defect and exposed tendons and bones with concomitant infection in the foot and lower leg have to be covered with vascularized flap as the one stage treatment. Authors have performed 6 cases of pedicled dorsalis pedis island flaps under the loupes magnification and evaluated the benefits. Materials and methods : From 1994 through 2003, we have performed 6 pedicled dorsalis pedis island flaps for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the foot and lower leg. The causes were trauma in 3 cases, skin necrosis and secondary infection after Achilles tendon repair in 2 cases and acute osteomyelitis in 1 case. Average age was 38 years and 5 cases were male and 1 female. The results of the procedure was evaluated by survival of the island flap, comfort in putting on shoes and walking, comfort in the donor site, comfort in the recipient site and range of motion of the ankle joint. Results : All pedicled dorsalis pedis island flaps survived except 1. Three cases felt discomfort in the dorsum of foot as the donor site and 1 case of the Achilles tendon ruptured and repaired showed limited dorsiflexion of ankle joint. Conclusion : Nonmicrosurgical pedicled dorsalis pedis island flaps under the loupes magnification are one of the useful treatment methods because procedure is rapid, survival is confident and overall reconstructive results are good.