Posterior hindfoot reconstruction

From August 1983 through December 1988, 25 patients with complex wounds involving the posterior hindfoot underwent reconstruction of that region. The present study reviews the use of microsurgical free-tissue reconstruction in this complex anatomic area. A questionnaire was sent to all patients; 60 percent responded, with a mean postoperative period of 2.1 years. Our experience shows that complex wounds involving soft tissue, bone, tendon, and nerve may be successfully reconstructed by the judicious use of free-tissue transfer combined with standard adjunctive techniques. When flap donor tissue is carefully selected, a one-stage reconstruction without the need for contour revision should be possible. Patient satisfaction has been excellent and solidly healed wounds have been maintained.