Microsurgical reparation of soft tissue defect of heel after resection of skin malignant tumor

Objective: To investigate the surgical resection and reparation of skin malignant tumor of the heel. Methods: Local extensive resection was performed in 9 patients with heel malignant tumors, including malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and chronic ulceration with malignant change. Lateral pedal skin flap, plantar medial artery island skin flap, retrograde skin flap supplied by sural nutrition blood vessel, and superior medial ankle skin flap were respectively applied in the reparation according to the size of heel soft tissue defect. Results: The surgical reparation was successful in all 9 cases. Considering the recovery of the function and sensation, the best result was acquired with plantar medial artery island skin flap and lateral pedal skin flap, good with retrograde skin flap supplied by sural nutrition blood vessel, and not good with superior medial ankle skin flap. Conclusion: Local extensive resection is essential for the skin malignant tumors of the heel. Reparative reconstruction should be made on negative operative margin. Satisfactory clinical outcome is achieved by using lateral pedal skin flap, plantar medial artery island skin flap, and retrograde skin flap supplied by sural nutrition blood vessel.