[Treatment of refractory ulcers on sole of forefoot with reversed medial plantar flap].
OBJECTIVE
To provide a new reconstructive method to treat refractory ulcers on the sole of the forefoot.


METHODS
The reversed medial plantar flap with the medial plantar pedal artery and vein as pedicle was used to treat the refractory ulcers on the sole of the forefoot in 5 cases. The size of the flap was 3.5-5.0 cm x 4.0-5.5 cm. The deformities were corrected at the same time and the flaps were protected after operation.


RESULTS
All flaps survived without complications. There was no recurrence after 6-month following-up. The patients could walk.


CONCLUSIONS
The distal ends of medial plantar pedal artery and vein have plenty anastomoses with dorsal pedal artery and deep plantar arch. The reversed medial plantar flap has reliable blood supply by these anastomoses. The reversed medial plantar flap should be a choice in treating refractory ulcers on the sole of the forefoot.
Zhang
Zhi-xin
ZX
Department of Hand Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun Jilin, P. R. China 130021.
Lu
Lai-jin
LJ
Liu
Zhi-gang
ZG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery; D016523:Foot Ulcer / Q000601:surgery*; D005545:Forefoot, Human / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation