The Use of Local Medial Plantar Artery Flap for Heel Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

The Role of Medial Plantar Artery Flap in Heel Pad Reconstruction: A Report of Two Cases

The heel and sole possess unique anatomical characteristics that serve a weight-bearing and shock-absorbing function. The heel is particularly vital, as any defects in this area can lead to gait instability. Reconstructing a heel defect presents challenges, as the donor flap must be durable enough to withstand high force loads while also providing protective sensation. Recently, the medial plantar artery flap has been successfully employed for the reconstruction of defective heel pads. This flap offers glabrous skin capable of weight transmission and intact protective sensation. In this report, we present two cases of heel pad loss secondary to chronic diabetic complications and trauma, respectively, which were treated with medial plantar artery flap reconstruction. Both cases were successfully treated, and they showed a good functional outcome.

The instep flap for anterior ankle coverage with bone and hardware exposure

PURPOSE

The instep medial plantar flap is a well-known flap based on the medial plantar artery of the foot and usually used for coverage of soft tissue defects of the heel area. It has seldom been reported for coverage of anterior ankle area with exposure of the bone and metallic hardware after open reduction and internal fixation of distal tibial fractures. The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and viability of this flap as well as its reliability saving the internal fixation devices and efficiency protecting bone healing; the secondary purpose is to assess the condition of the flap and its cosmetic appearance, as well as occurrence of complications related to its harvesting.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a retrospective review of medical records of patients operated from December 2015 to December 2020 with application of an instep flap for coverage of the anterior ankle area with exposure of the bone and metallic hardware secondary to open reduction and internal fixation of distal tibial fractures. All patients were reviewed for the purpose of this study; they were assessed for the viability and functional and sensory condition of the flap, signs of local infection, as well as for residual pain and sensory impairment of the toes; subjective cosmetic appearance of the flap was also judged.

RESULTS

There were four patients with 32 years mean age and 35 months mean follow-up. The mean flap size was 7.75 cm × 5.75 cm. At final follow-up, all fractures were completely consolidated, and all flaps were living, stable, and sensitive. No distal sensation disturbance was noticed, and none of the patients had pain or annoyance caused by the flap or presented signs of infection. Only one patient expressed mild aesthetic complain.

CONCLUSION

The fascio-cutaneous instep medial plantar flap is a reliable solution to cover the anterior ankle area with exposure of the bone and metallic hardware after open reduction and internal fixation of distal tibial fractures, especially for defects measuring up to 9 cm × 6 cm. This flap is technically valid and reproducible; it offers good quality of soft tissue coverage with satisfactory cosmetic appearance and minimal morbidity.

Foot Wounds and the Reconstructive Ladder

Background:

Foot soft tissue coverage represents a challenge to reconstructive surgeons due to a lack of donor sites for this specialized skin. This glabrous tethered thick skin is designed to withstand weight bearing stress and is hard to replace. The limited arch of rotation of foot local flaps contributes to further difficulties. In this study, we share our experience in foot soft tissue loss coverage using techniques tailored to each wound presentation.

Methods:

This case series presents eight patients with wounds of the plantar and dorsal surfaces of the foot, heel, and ankle. Closure techniques were selected and planned based on wound presentation and comorbidity status.

Results:

Patients’ mean age at surgery was 61 years. Etiologies of wounds include trauma, frostbite, diabetic ulceration, malignancy, pressure ulcer with osteomyelitis, and necrotizing infection. Coverage techniques included split and full-thickness skin graft, medial plantar arch pinch graft, cultured epithelial autograft, Hyalomatrix wound device, EpiFix tissue matrix, pedicle flap, and free rectus flap. Complete soft tissue coverage was achieved in each case within reasonable postoperative periods, and ambulation was preserved and/or restored.

Conclusions:

Foot soft tissue reconstruction is challenging and should be planned carefully due to the required specialized skin replacement. Primary closure should be considered first and attempted if possible. Technique escalation in accordance with the reconstructive ladder should be undertaken based on wound etiology, presentation, amount and nature of tissue loss, available resources, and surgeon experience.