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Small toe muscles for defect coverage
1Innsbruck University Clinic for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Austria.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Foot sole defects pose significant challenges, often seen in patients with diabetes or vascular diseases. The short muscles of the fifth toe offer a viable flap for covering small, exposed bone defects on the foot's lateral side.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Full-thickness foot sole defects present significant challenges, frequently associated with comorbidities like diabetes mellitus and vascular diseases.
- Exposed bone in foot defects necessitates effective reconstructive strategies to prevent infection and promote healing.
Observation:
- The short muscles of the fifth toe are identified as a potential source for muscle flaps.
- These muscles are particularly suitable for coverage of smaller defects.
Findings:
- The short muscles of the fifth toe provide a viable muscle flap option for reconstructing full-thickness foot sole defects.
- This flap is especially effective for defects located on the lateral aspect of the foot.
Implications:
- This technique offers a valuable reconstructive solution for challenging foot sole defects, potentially improving patient outcomes.
- Utilizing local tissue, such as the short fifth toe muscles, may reduce donor site morbidity compared to free flaps.