Perforator-based chimaeric thoracodorsal flap for foot reconstruction

Abstract

The reconstruction of severe defects of the ankle and foot is a challenge. The ideal solution should combine a thin skin flap on the dorsum to allow shoe fitting and a muscle flap with a split-thickness skin graft on the weight-bearing area. Perforator-based thoracodorsal chimaeric flaps allow us to achieve these two goals with minimal donor-site morbidity. We present a reconstruction of an extended circumferential defect of the ankle with an exposed heel using a chimaeric thoracodorsal perforator flap with a serratus muscle flap. The skin flap was transferred on the dorsal foot, whereas the serratus anterior muscle was transferred on the exposed heel. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and the patient began full weight bearing after 3 months. Twelve months after reconstruction, natural shape and walking function were successfully achieved.

Keywords: Chimaeric flap; Foot reconstruction; Lower limb reconstruction; Serratus anterior muscle flap; Thoracodorsal perforator flap.