Use of the free medialis pedis flap in orofacial reconstruction: Report oftwo cases

The medialis pedis flap is a fasciocutaneous nap based on a branch of the m edial plantar artery. The authors have used this flap in the reconstruction of skin defects of the hands and fingers because its skin is very similar in texture, color, and thickness. Because of its characteristics, this flap can also be applicable for orofacial reconstruction, when small or thin sk in coverage is needed. Two cases are reported in which free medialis pedis flaps were used to reconstruct the eye socket in one patient and the alveol ar ridge in the other. The authors concluded that the skin of the medialis pedis flap is not flexible enough and thus less suitable than the radial fo rearm flap for reconstruction of defects in which flexible skin is required , such as eye-socket reconstruction. However, reduced flexibility of the me dialis pedis flap may provide an advantage in reconstruction of the gingiva and palate, where thin and rigid coverage is necessary.