The use of local muscle flaps in foot and ankle reconstruction

Pedicled muscle flaps always should be considered as a reconstructive option when evaluating possible options to filling a defect around the foot and ankle. To gain confidence in using this option, multiple anatomic dissections with special attention to the vascular anatomy are necessary. These dissections also should give the surgeon a feel for the reach of the various flaps and their applicability in various circumstances. For optimal results, the interoperative dissections should be performed with loupes and the Doppler. This allows the surgeon to identify and protect the dominant pedicle. When insetting the flap, special attention is directed to avoid placing excessive torsion or tension on the pedicle so that the blood flow is not compromised. The flow, both arterial and venous, should be assessed after insetting the muscle with a Doppler. Pedicled muscle flaps offer a rapid and easy solution to difficult soft tissue problems around the foot and ankle. The operation can be performed with a regional block in under two hours. The postoperative stay is short, and the donor defect is minimal. Pedicled muscle flaps offer a great alternative to microsurgical free flaps, especially in the sick patient. They should be considered more often when looking at how to fill small defects with exposed bone or osteomyelitis around the foot and ankle.