Management of a Composite Foot Defect Due To Mine Explosion Using the Free Fibula Osteocutaneous Flap

Abstract

Free flaps have recently become the first preference for complex foot defects, with many advantages including ability to present suitable and adequate tissue, to enhance blood flow of the extremity, and to decrease risk of osteomyelitis. A 25-year-old male patient was referred to us with a complex injury of the left foot due to mine explosion. We successfully restored the defect with the ipsilateral free vascularized fibula osteocutaneous flap. The flap survived completely. After 8 weeks postoperatively, the patient began to walk. An adequate foot contour was achieved, and both the transverse and longitudinal arches were reestablished. Recovery of the donor site was also good. The free fibula osteocutaneous flap was able to present a composite tissue required in a defective foot, by leaving single donor site morbidity in one session. We believe that this flap may be a preferred option in complex foot defects.