Background: Soft tissue defects in the weight-bearing heel represent a reconstructive challenge because of tissue complexity and lack of local/regional coverage. This study presents our reconstruction outcomes of different defect aetiologies, reconstruction timing, and flap selection.
Methods: Patients with weight-bearing heel defects who underwent free tissue transfer from 2003 to 2014 and with at least 6 months of follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Flap types (fasciocutaneous vs muscle/musculocutaneous), timing of reconstruction (early vs subacute vs delayed), and defect aetiology were compared in terms of flap failure, vascular complications, and ulceration.
Results: Seventy-four flaps were used to reconstruct weight-bearing heel defects in 70 patients. Defect aetiology included trauma in 53 patients (75%), chronic wound in 12 patients (17%), and tumour resection in 6 patients (8%). Flap survival was 97% (72/74). There was no significant difference in flap failures between muscle and fasciocutaneous flaps. The timing of reconstruction showed no difference in flap survival. There was a significant difference in ulceration rate between the trauma and non-trauma groups (p = 0.001). Twenty-eight ulcers (39%) developed, 12 (43%) of which presented 3 years postoperatively, while only 6 cases (21%) presented within one year postoperatively.
Conclusion: Our experience represents one of the highest survival rates reported regarding free flap weight-bearing heel reconstruction. The anterolateral thigh flap was our first choice for extensive heel defects. Ulceration incidence was directly related to trauma and tends to develop 3 years after reconstruction. Delayed reconstruction was at least as safe as early or subacute reconstruction though with less need for debulking.
Keywords: Calcaneal fracture; Free tissue transfer; Heel reconstruction; Weight bearing.
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