Heel and foot reconstruction using reverse-flow posterior tibial flap

Island flaps supplied by the intermuscular cutaneous perforator (IMCP) from a deep vessel, such as the peroneal flap pedicled by IMCP from the peroneal vessel or the anterior tibial flap supplied by IMCP from the anterior tibial vessel, are reported to be useful in reconstructive procedures for soft-tissue defects of the lower leg. However, the posterior tibial flap, pedicled by IMCP from the posterior tibial vessel, has not yet been fully described. The posterior tibial flap can be used either as a normal-flow or as a reverse-flow flap. It is particularly versatile as a reverse-flow flap for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects of the heel and foot. Three reverse-flow posterior tibial flaps were clinically applied, without venous anastomosis, to reconstruct heel and foot defects, and all three survived completely. The operative procedure and its characteristics are described.