title: Reconstruction of the Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue using antero-lateral thigh free flap.
abstract: Reconstruction of combined loss of the Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue was performed using an antero-lateral thigh free flap in three patients. The cutaneous portion is used to cover the open wound, and a piece of fascia lata is utilised to replace the missing segment of the Achilles tendon. The skin defect ranged from 5 x 2.5 to 7 x 5 cm, and the tendon loss measured from 3.5 to 5.5 cm in length. All of the patients showed satisfactory functional results with a follow-up period from 3 to 9 months. The advantages of the procedure are that: it is a single-staged operation; it promotes rapid healing of the tendo Achilles since the tendon substitute is well vascularised; it is adaptable to a wide range of defect sizes and shapes; it can be performed in the supine position without the need for postural change; and it can restore good contour and causes minimal morbidity at the donor site.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Shieh
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Pai
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps