title: Versatility of the medial plantar flap: our clinical experience.
abstract: The medial plantar flap presents an ideal tissue reserve, particularly for the reconstruction of the plantar and palmar areas, which require a sensate and unique form of skin. In the past 5 years, the authors performed 16 free flaps, 10 locally pedicled flaps, and five cross-leg flaps on 31 patients for the reconstruction of palmar and plantar defects. All flaps transferred to the palmar area survived, providing good color match and sufficient bulkiness. The overall results were satisfactory in terms of function and sensation, and no complications related to flap survival in the plantar area were observed. All flaps used to cover defects in the heel and ankle region adapted well to their recipient areas, and all lower extremities remained functional. Because the medial plantar flap presents glabrous, sensate skin with proper bulkiness and permits the movement of underlying structures, the authors advocate its use and view this procedure as an excellent alternative in the reconstruction of palmar and plantar weight-bearing areas.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, 06018 Etklik-Ankara, Turkey. hduman_99@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Haluk
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Duman
authors.forename: Ergin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Er
authors.forename: Selçuk
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Işík
authors.forename: Murat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Türegün
authors.forename: Mustafa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Deveci
authors.forename: Mustafa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nişancí
authors.forename: Mustafa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sengezer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005528:Foot; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps