MICROSURGICAL RECONSTRUCTION OF SMALL SOFT-TISSUE DEFECTS ON THE LATERAL SIDE OF THE CALCANEAL REGION

Soft tissue defects of the ankle are a challenging problem. Local flap s have several disadvantages because of functional and/or cosmetic pro blems. Free flaps, by nature, allow a greater choice of donor sites an d therefore minimize problems resulting from local flap harvesting. Pa ssing the vascular pedicle between the tibia and the Achilles tendon f or anastomoses on the posterior tibial vessels can maintain satisfacto ry ankle contour. Three cases of free flap reconstruction of the later al aspect of the calcaneal region are presented and the surgical appro ach is detailed, All the patients were able to wear normal shoes after the reconstruction.