Use of lateral calcaneal flap for coverage of posterior heel defects

Abstract

Lateral calcaneal flap is frequently used for coverage of lateral calcaneum and posterior heel defects. We conducted a prospective study using lateral calcaneal artery flap to cover posterior heel defects from July 2011 to June 2015 in the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Khulna Medical College to observe the clinical outcome of use of lateral calcaneal artery flap. A total number of ten soft tissue defects in posterior heel with and without exposed Achilles tendon or calcaneus due to different causes were reconstructed with lateral calcaneal artery flap. All ten flaps survived completely with no subsequent breakdown of the skin, even after regular wearing of normal shoes. The flap donor sites were grafted with split-thickness skin grafts in all cases. Partial graft loss was noted in two cases which were eventually healed spontaneously with dressing without the need for a secondary graft. Epidermal necrosis developed in one case which was ultimately healed with conservative treatment. There was no loss of sensation in flap area but sensory disturbance at the lateral part of the dorsum of foot was found in all cases. Our results were satisfactory in terms of coverage adequacy, perioperative morbidity, and functional and aesthetical outcomes. The lateral calcaneal artery skin flap can be used safely to provide sensory skin coverage in posterior heel defects.

Quantification and Further Refinement of Lateral Calcaneal Artery Flap for Complicated Heel Defect Reconstruction

“…Lateral calcaneal artery fasciocutaneous flaps should be considered in the armamentarium for complicated posterolateral heel defects. [13][14][15] There is no loss of a major artery of the foot. This flap is relatively thin, with acceptable morbidity at the donor sites.…”

Use of Lateral Calcaneal Flap for the Reconstruction of Posterior Heel Defect

“…8 Simple method like skin grafting may also be useful in specific situations but it often leads to unacceptable results . 9 Lateral calcaneal flap is an axial pattern fasciocutaneous flap that is simple, stable and sensate. It is nourished by the lateral calcaneal artery, which is a terminal branch of peroneal artery, is drained by the lesser saphenous vein and is innervated by the sural nerve.…”