title: [Application of pre-fabricated free flap in reconstruction and repair of skin defect of foot in weight-bearing area].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the clinical effect of pre-fabricated free skin flap in reconstruction and repair of skin defect of foot in weight-bearing area.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight cases of skin defect of foot in weight-bearing area, due to trauma, were repaired by such an approach; free skin flap was designed and pre-fabricated at the contralateral plantar center, and 3 weeks later the free skin flap, with sensory nerve was transplanted to the site of skin defect, fixed by stitches through drilled holes in the calcaneous bone. All of 8 cases were followed up for 15 to 23 months before clinical evaluation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The wound healed well with no ulcer or deformity. According to American AOFAS scoring standard, it was more than 80 in 5 cases, more than 75 in 2 cases and 70 in one case.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The pre-fabricated free skin flap from the contralateral plantar center is a good option to reconstruct and repair the skin defect of foot in weight-bearing area, with low ulcer occurrence and good contour.
authors.affiliation: Orthepedic Trauma Center, Military 89th Hospital, Weifang Shandong, P. R. China, 261000.
authors.forename: Jian-li
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Cheng-qi
authors.initials: CQ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Xing-mao
authors.initials: XM
authors.lastname: Fu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000601:surgery; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D016523:Foot Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology