The very long posterior tibial artery island flap

Limb salvage procedures utilising tissue which would otherwise be discarded have become a well established practice in the management of trauma. These principles may also be utilised in the treatment of the burn injury. Two patients are presented with severe burns to the lower limbs involving muscle and bone where above knee amputation seemed inevitable. Salvage of the knee joint and conversion to a below knee amputation has been made possible by utilising the remaining skin of the sole of the foot based on a very long posterior tibial neurovascular pedicle ("Fillet of Sole" flap). This has provided full thickness sensate skin over the knee joint and below knee stump and has led to improved functional performance of the patient.