Abstract
Objective To investigate the methods and effects of different flaps for repair of high energy injury-induced soft tissue wound of the heel. Methods From January 2002 to June 2012, the patients including 12 males and 9 females aged 18-57 years (mean, 32 years) underwent heel soft tissue defect reconstruction. Causes of injury were traffic injury in 11 case and mechanical injury in 10 cases. Dimension of soft tissue defect ranged from 5 cm×3 cm to 8 cm×6 cm. Soft-tissue defect was repaired with sural neurovascular flaps at the posterolateral heel in 9 cases (Group A), with posterior tibial artery flaps at the posterolateral heel in 5 cases (Group B), and with medial plantar flaps at the loading area of heel in 7 cases (Group C). Sensory recovery and two point discrimination motion of the ankle joint were observed and compared among groups 12 month after operation. Heel pain was observed during weight bearing and joint activity was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Results All the flaps survived, except for one with epidermal necrosis over the distal part, which healed after partial changing medication. Duration of follow-up was 12-24 months. There were no differences in the appearance, texture and contour between the flaps and recipient sites. Flaps showed no ulcer in the weight-bearing area and recovered their protective sense. Patients could walk normally after surgery. At postoperative 1 year, sensory recovery rate of the flaps in Groups A, B and C was 0, 20% and 100% respectively (P 0.05). While heel pain existed in weight-bearing exercise.Difference in VAS was significant among the three groups (P 0.05). Conclusion Medial plantar flaps are suitable for tissue defect of 5-8 cm in length but sural neurovascular flaps and posterior tibial artery flaps should be considered for over 8 cm defect in order to elevate survival rate of the flaps and reconstruct limb function. Key words: Foot injuries; Soft tissue injuries; Surgical flaps
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