Reconstruction of Small-Sized Complex Defect on the Foot Dorsum Without Microsurgery: Intrinsic Adipofascial Flap

Abstract

Dorsal foot defects are difficult to cover and often require major flap surgery by microsurgeons, even for defects of limited sizes. Intrinsic adipofascial flaps for small-sized complex defects are simple and do not require microsurgery; thus, a flap specialist is unnecessary. This study aimed to assess our institutional experience with this technique and define its role in dorsal foot reconstruction. Nine patients aged 48 to 86 years with soft tissue defects of the dorsal foot were treated with the intrinsic adipofascial flap by rotating the adjacent adipofascial tissues from May 2019 and January 2021 in our institution. Demographic, clinical, and followup data were evaluated. Primary outcomes include flap viability, flap bulkiness, ability to wear shoes, and donor site morbidity. The mean followup period was 24.5 months (range, 10-30 months) and the mean defect size was 6.4 cm² (range, 3.0-9.0 cm²). Eight flaps survived providing an adequate contour and durable coverage with a thin flap. Among 8 cases of healed flaps, 6 required secondary skin grafts while the other 2 healed spontaneously without additional operation. One patient (defect size: 3.0 cm × 3.0 cm) with underlying diabetes mellitus and peripheral arterial occlusive disease encountered flap total necrosis. Revisional flap surgery was performed to cover the flap total necrosis. In conclusion, the intrinsic adipofascial flap is a relatively simple and suitable method for complex dorsal foot defect reconstruction because it provides minimal donor site morbidity. However, relatively large defect size and comorbidities, such as underlying diabetes mellitus and vascular occlusive disease could accompany a risk of flap necrosis.