title: Stress ulcers after heel reconstruction using free microvascular flap comparing with reverse supramaleolar fasciocutaneous flap.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  the lower extremity requires an understanding of the ways in which such reconstruction differs from that of the upper extremity. The weight-bearing requirements are the most obvious difference. The difference between the cutaneous coverage on the plantar surface on the foot and that on the dorsum has important implication for reconstruction of defects in these areas. There are few operative techniques for reconstruction of the posttraumatic heel defects, in our study we have been compared two techniques, free microvascular flap and reverse supramaleolar fasciocutaneous flap.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  the aim of the study is evaluation of the appearance of stress ulcers as late complications of the heel reconstruction, comparing these two methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  in testing were included 50 patients with posttraumatic heel defects, of different etiology, divided in two groups. The first group of 25 patients with posttraumatic heel defects has been treated by microvascular free flap. The other group of 25 patients with posttraumatic heel defects has been treated by reverse supramaleolar fasciocutaneous flap.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  according to our results, there are significant differences between proportions of patients with and without of late complications of free microvascular flap comparing with reverse supramaleolar fasciocutaneous flap.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  stress ulcers, as result of continuous pressure on weight-bearing area, have been evaluated by using both operative methods. Reverse supramaleolar fasciocutaneous flap is good alternative method for heel reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: Clinic For Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery, University Clinical Center, Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina. sanelasalihagic@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Sanela
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Salihagic
authors.forename: Zoran
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Hadziahmetovic
authors.forename: Abdulah
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fazlic
mesh_terms: D016523:Foot Ulcer / Q000209:etiology*; D006365:Heel / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016474:Weight-Bearing