Free flaps for coverage of the foot and ankle

Coverage of complex soft tissue injuries to the foot and ankle is difficult and often can be achieved only by the use of free flaps. Selection of the appropriate flap must be patient-oriented. Indications for composite tissue transfer are presented. In addition, the vascular anatomy and characteristics of commonly used flaps--the groin flap, the scapular flap, and the latissimus dorsi, tensor fascia lata, and gracilis flaps are presented along with case histories illustrating their utilization.