Long-term results with the proximally-based neurovascular lateral calcaneal flap

From 1995 to 1997, the proximally-based neurovascular lateral calcaneal flap was used in eight patients to cover defects in the Achilles tendon area or the lateral malleolar region. The mean postoperative follow-up was 40 months (range 29-51). The outcome of the operation was investigated both clinically and using a questionnaire sent to patients. All flaps healed uneventfully within a mean of 33 days. Revisional operations were required in two cases because of pain at the donor site. No flaps had broken down up to the follow-up, which was between three and five years. Two of the patients operated on were paraplegic, and the other six patients had sensate flaps. Five of the six patients with sensate flaps were able to wear normal shoes and one patient needed a shoe elevated by about 7.5 cm because of a disease independent of the flap. All but two patients were satisfied with the functional and aesthetic results. The proximally-based neurovascular lateral calcaneal flap proved to be safe and can be recommended as a good option to cover tissue defects in the Achilles tendon area or the lateral malleolar region.