Reconstruction of forefoot skin defect with island flap pedicled with lateral tarsal artery

Abstract

To investigate the therapeutic effect of island flap pedicled with lateral tarsal artery for forefoot skin defect. From March 2007 to January 2009, 12 cases with forefoot skin defects were treated by reversed island flap pedicled with lateral tarsal artery. All the flaps survived completely with a followed-up period of 8-22 months, 13 months in average. The flaps and skin grafts had soft texture and a similar color as the surrounding skin. The flaps had a suitable thickness with deep pain sensation. Shallow touch and pain sensation recovered in the skin graft and within 1-2 cm of the flap edge, which was graded as S1-S2. There was no problem in shoes-wearing and walking. No flap ulcer happened. Island flap pedicled with lateral tarsal artery is suitable for forefoot skin defect, leaving less morbidity to donor site.