Island lateral plantar artery perforator flap for reconstruction of weight-bearing plantar areas

Abstract

Reconstruction of the foot often presents difficulties, particularly in weight-bearing areas (WBA). The peculiarities of WBA tissues are rarely found in other regions of the body. The case examined, presents a 72-year-old diabetic patient, with lower-limb arteriopathy, and sensitive and motor neuropathy, with an ulcer in the weight-bearing area of the foot, close to the V metatarsal bone. The plantar defect was reconstructed by using an island V-Y 6cm×3cm flap, based on the lateral plantar artery perforators. The postoperative course was smooth and the flap survived completely. The lateral plantar artery perforator flap is minimally invasive and provides a valid alternative for the repair of glabrous plantar defects.