Mycetoma of the foot — surgical treatment with free flap reconstruction

Mycetoma (Madura foot) is a chronic fungal or bacterial infectious process characterized by a discharging mass. Medical treatment is generally insufficient, and surgical eradication, sometimes by amputation, is advocated. Although a benign disease, the tumor's nature may be considered malignant in view of limb's fate. Reconstruction of a foot with a free tensor fascia lata musculocutaneous flap, following large mycetoma mass resection in a 28-year-old patient is described. A year after surgery, the patient uses the leg without limitation and no recurrence is evident. This limb preservation technique, which enables rapid rehabilitation and ambulation, is superior to amputation.