Download PDF
J Reconstr Microsurg 2008; 24(1): 053-056
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1064924
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Management of a Composite Foot Defect due to Mine Explosion Using the Free Fibula Osteocutaneous Flap

Onder Tan1 , Bekir Atik2 , Duygu Ergen1
  • 1Ataturk University, Medical Faculty, Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Erzurum, Turkey
  • 2Yuzuncu Yil University, Medical Faculty, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Van, Turkey
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
17 March 2008 (online)

Also available at
    Permissions and Reprints

ABSTRACT

Free flaps have recently become the first preference for complex foot defects, with many advantages including ability to present suitable and adequate tissue, to enhance blood flow of the extremity, and to decrease risk of osteomyelitis. A 25-year-old male patient was referred to us with a complex injury of the left foot due to mine explosion. We successfully restored the defect with the ipsilateral free vascularized fibula osteocutaneous flap. The flap survived completely. After 8 weeks postoperatively, the patient began to walk. An adequate foot contour was achieved, and both the transverse and longitudinal arches were reestablished. Recovery of the donor site was also good. The free fibula osteocutaneous flap was able to present a composite tissue required in a defective foot, by leaving single donor site morbidity in one session. We believe that this flap may be a preferred option in complex foot defects.

KEYWORDS

Composite defect - fibula - flap - foot - metatarsal - mine

REFERENCES

  • 1 Rajacic N, Ebrahim M K, Grgurinovic S, Starovic B. Foot reconstruction using vascularised fibula.  Br J Plast Surg. 1993;  46 317-321
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 2 Taylor G I, Miller G D, Ham F J. The free vascularized bone graft: a clinical extension of microvascular techniques.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 1975;  55 533-544
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 3 Newington D P, Sykes P J. The versatility of the free fibula flap in the management of traumatic long bone defects.  Injury. 1991;  22 275-281
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 4 Manoylovic R, Cheng J C, Levinsohn D G, Gordon L. Free vascularized fibula transfer in the management of congenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia.  Microsurgery. 1991;  12 170-174
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 5 Hidalgo D A. Fibula free flap: a new method of mandible reconstruction.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 1989;  84 71-79
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 6 Chen Z W, Yan W. The study and clinical application of the osteocutaneous flap of fibula.  Microsurgery. 1983;  4 11-16
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 7 Minami A, Itoga H, Suzuki K. Reverse-flow vascularized fibular graft: a new method.  Microsurgery. 1990;  11 278-281
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 8 Townsend P L. Vascularised fibular graft using reverse peroneal flow in the treatment of congenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia.  Br J Plast Surg. 1990;  43 261-265
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 9 Chung Y K, Hong J P, Kang S Y, Kim S W, Tark K C. A vascularized osteocutaneous fibular free flap for reconstruction of a complex injury of the foot.  Ann Plast Surg. 2000;  45 541-543
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 10 Banic A, Wulff K. Latissimus dorsi free flaps for total repair of extensive lower leg injuries in children.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 1987;  79 769-775
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 11 Morton D J. The human foot. In: Romanes GJ Cunningham's Text Book of Anatomy. Oxford; Oxford University Press 1981: 402-412
    Search in Google Scholar

Dr. Onder Tan

Ataturk Universitesi Tip Fakultesi, Yakutiye Arastirma Hastanesi

Plastik Rekontruktif ve Estetik Cerrahi A.D., 25240-Erzurum/Turkey