Clinical observation of medial plantar flap for repairing tissue defect of heel

Objective To investigate the effect of medial plantar flap with neurovascular bundle in the repair of heel defect. Methods A total of 30 cases with heel tissue defect vepaired by the medial plantar flap due to cancer or trauma in our hospital from October 2010 to December 2015 were enrolled in this study. There were 24 males and 6 females with age ranging from 6 to 67 years, and their sensory and motor functions were scored to evaluate the effects. Results All the defects got primary intention healing and the skin grafts survived with no occurrence of ulcer. The patients were followed up for 1-3 years with an average of 2.8 years. Patients generally could walk at 1 month after surgery. Conclusion It is the first choice for the clinician to use plantar flap with neurovascular pedicle in repairing the soft tissue defect of the heel, which can restore the appearance, function and sensation of the heel.