[Cover flaps for loss of substance on the heel. Apropos of 8 cases]

The anatomical and function characteristics of the heel region explain the large number of methods used and the differences of opinion particularly in relation to the repair of weightbearing zones. Our study is based on 28 patients in whom we performed: ten regional flaps, six cross-leg flaps, sixteen microsurgical flaps. The temporal fascia free flap provides good results on the posterior surface with minimal sequelae at the donor site. The medial plantar flap appears to be the most suitable flap for weight-bearing zones. Cross-lep flaps allow satisfactory repair of the weightbearing zone, but the scarred appearance of the donor site is inaesthetic and immobilisation is uncomfortable. The problem of large defects is still not resolved and no really satisfactory method is available among the various distant, skin, myocutaneous, pure muscle or cross-leg flaps. The solution may reside in a combination of two flaps allowing better adaptation to the morphology of the heel. The importance of heel sensation, particularly in the weight-bearing zone, led to the concept of the use of sensitive or resensitised flaps. After a review of the literature and our results, we did not find any correlation between the sensitivity obtained and the success of the reconstruction. It therefore seems useless to perform microscopic nerve sutures in order to resensitise distant heel flaps. The patient's cooperation is essential in every case to compensate for the decreased sensitivity by means of increased visual surveillance and the wearing of suitable shoes.