title: Reconstruction of chronic Achilles tendon defects with posterior tibial perforator flap and soleus tendon graft: clinical series.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Reconstruction of chronic composite defects of the Achilles region is difficult, and many techniques have been proposed, most of which are technically complex. A simple and effective technique has not yet been described.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight patients with chronic composite defects of the Achilles tendon underwent reconstruction using a local tendon graft from the soleus tendon and a posterior tibial perforator flap in a single stage. Follow-up was 9 to 50 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All reconstructions were successful, without flap loss, infections, or reruptures of the tendon. Minor skin graft loss over the flap was a complication in three cases. Patient satisfaction was uniformly high.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The posterior tibial perforator flap combined with a local tendon graft from the soleus tendon is an effective and technically simple solution for reconstruction of chronic infected defects of the Achilles tendon of moderate size.
authors.affiliation: Division of Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Centro de Rehabilitación de Levante, Valencia, Spain. cavadas@reconstructive-surgery.net
authors.forename: Pedro C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Cavadas
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Landin
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006365:Heel / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013710:Tendons / Q000637:transplantation*