Medial plantar artery-based perforator and island flaps: a case series of applications in sole defects

Soft tissue defects of the plantar foot pose a challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. The plantar region of the foot has a unique skin structure, which helps in its paramount functions of weight-bearing and providing protective sensation. It is best replaced with tissue of its own kind. The medial plantar artery (MPA) flap fulfils all the requirements of an ideal replacement for small-to-medium-sized defects in the mid plantar and heel region. This study describes our experience with MPA-based flaps for small-to-medium-sized defects of the plantar foot.

The study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital between April 2017 and March 2020 on patients who presented with defects on the mid plantar region and heel. MPA perforator (MPAP) flap or island flap were applied. The donor site was covered with split-thickness skin grafts.

The study included 21 patients. MPAP flap was applied in nine patients and the island flap was applied in 12 patients. The mean age of the patients was 37.95 years and the mean flap size was 36.6cm². All flaps survived well. In two patients, venous congestion developed which resolved spontaneously, while three patients had small graft loss which also healed with conservative treatment. All patients regained protective sensation within five months of flap coverage.

Based on the MPA, both perforator and island flaps can be raised due to the fairly constant position of the perforators. These flaps have the advantage of robust vascularity with the replacement of identical tissue for weight-bearing functions along with acceptable aesthetic outcomes. Since they also have the added advantage of conferring sensation, they can be used as a primary option in cases of small-to-medium-sized plantar foot defects.