Efficacy of "tennis racket" -like flap with retrograde medial plantar on repairment of frontal plantar tissue defects

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical experience and surgical method of the repairment of frontal plantar tissue defects by using tennis racket -like flap with the medial plantar retrograde, and to study the reliability in the clinical application of the medial plantar retrograde flap. Methods From June 2011 to June 2016, tennis racket -like flap with the medial plantar retrograde was used to repair the frontal plantar tissue defects in 10 cases. The cutting range of flap was from 3.5 cm x 2.0 cm to 8.0 cm x 4.0 cm in size; in all patients the donor area was covered by skin grafts. Results All flaps survived and wounds healed by first intention. In 10 patients the donor sites healed primarily with a straight scar, and the appearance and texture of the flaps were satisfactory. All patients were followed up from 6 to 24 months (mean 12 months). According to the Chinese foot function evaluation standard trial evaluation, the outcomes were excellent in 9 cases, good in 7 cases, and medium in 2 cases. Conclusions Tennis racket -like flap with the medial plantar retrograde is less anatomic variation with reliable blood supply, and sensory recovery is quick; the donor site is a small crater and cicatrial contractures are light; the cost is low. All patients are treated on one session and therefore it is an ideal method for the repairment of frontal plantar tissue defects. Key words: Medial plantar flap; Retrograde flap; Frontal plantar tissue defects