Efficiency Of Medial Plantar Artery Flap in Patients With Plantar Defect: A Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION: Reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the lower extremities is a major challenge for plastic surgeons, and reconstruction options are limited. In this study, we aimed to evaluated the results of reconstructing plantar defects with the medial plantar artery flap, which is a safe and simple method for reconstruction.
METHODS: This study included patients who underwent reconstruction with a medial plantar artery flap in 15 patients with plantar defects between February 2019 and June 2021.Anatomical landmarks were marked. The flap was elevated and the dissection was extended proximally to prevent tension.
RESULTS: All defects were successfully reconstructed without complications except in one of 15 patients (12 males, 3 females).Due to the dehiscence of both flaps, the patient underwent a second operation for successful reconstruction. All harvest sites were reconstructed with a split thickness skin graft from the thigh. The necrotized flap area was reconstructed with a split-thickness skin graft from the thigh, which was vacuum-assisted closed after debridement.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: All defects were successfully reconstructed without complications except in one of 15 patients (12 males, 3 females).Due to the dehiscence of both flaps, the patient underwent a second operation for successful reconstruction. All harvest sites were reconstructed with a split thickness skin graft from the thigh. The necrotized flap area was reconstructed with a split-thickness skin graft from the thigh, which was vacuum-assisted closed after debridement.