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Published on: January 24, 2018
Functional total heel reconstruction with a fibular osteomyocutaneous flap
Jin Mei1, Shitou Wu, Zezhang Yang
1Department of Anatomy, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou University-town, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery
|February 26, 2010
Summary
A novel V-shaped fibular osteocutaneous flap reconstructs heel defects. Anatomical study confirms peroneal artery vascularity, supporting this technique for complex bone and soft tissue reconstruction.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Plastic Surgery
- Microsurgery
Background:
- The fibular osteocutaneous flap is a reconstructive option for various defects.
- Reconstructing the weight-bearing calcaneus presents unique challenges.
Observation:
- A novel V-shaped fibular osteocutaneous flap was used to reconstruct the calcaneus.
- Anatomical study investigated the vascularity of the fibular flap in eight cadavers.
- Detailed dissections and 3D modeling outlined perforator courses in the lower leg and ankle.
Findings:
- The peroneal artery, originating 5.0 ± 1.0 cm below the lateral fibular tuberosity, supplies the fibula and soft tissues.
- An average of 7.6 ± 1.8 branches from the peroneal artery were identified.
- Large and consistent proximal perforators from the peroneal artery were noted.
Implications:
- Distally based osteocutaneous fibular flaps with a V-shaped strut offer a new method for complex heel defects.
- This technique addresses both bony and soft tissue deficiencies in the heel area.
- The findings support the clinical use of this flap for challenging calcaneal reconstructions.