[Soft tissue reconstruction of the foot with free rectus abdominis muscle flap: case report]

Major soft tissue defects of the foot usually require free tissue transfer for successful reconstruction. A 29-year-old man who injured his left foot in a mine explosion was admitted to Sarikamiş Military Hospital. Initial examination showed an extreme crush injury including soft tissue and bone structures of the lateral part of the foot. All necrotic tissues were extensively debrided and the soft tissue defect was reconstructed with a free rectus abdominis muscle flap and full thickness skin graft one week after the injury. The operation outcome was successful. After the rehabilitation period, the patient returned to a normal social life with minimal difficulties. The aims of this report were to alert reconstructive microsurgeons to the possible difficulties that can be encountered during free tissue transfer in small hospitals remote from city centers and to propose some possible solutions.