Distally based lateral plantar artery island flap

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Microsurgery

Background:

• Lateral metatarsal head defects pose significant reconstructive challenges.
• Conventional local flaps often provide inadequate coverage for large defects in this region.
• The flexor digitorum brevis muscle offers potential for soft tissue reconstruction.

Observation:

• A distally based lateral plantar artery island flap was designed using the flexor digitorum brevis muscle.
• The flap's vascular pedicle was supplied by a retrograde flow through the lateral plantar artery.
• Surgical technique was evaluated for simplicity and ease of execution.

Findings:

• The described flap provides a reliable method for reconstructing lateral metatarsal head defects.
• This technique proved simpler and easier to perform compared to existing local flap options.
• The flap demonstrated superior ability to cover large defects effectively.

Implications:

• This reconstructive approach offers a valuable alternative for managing complex foot defects.
• The distally based lateral plantar artery island flap may become a preferred method for metatarsal head reconstruction.
• Further studies could explore long-term functional outcomes and patient satisfaction.