Reconstruction of metatarsal bone defects with a free fibular osteomyocutaneous flap incorporating soleus muscle

Abstract

Severe traumatic bone and soft-tissue defects are often treated by lower leg amputation. The amputation level becomes a very important factor with respect to the patient's basic daily activities. We report the case of a 51-year-old man who was referred to us with severe traumatic metatarsal bone and dorsum pedis skin and soft-tissue defects. To avoid amputation, a free fibular osteomyocutaneous flap incorporating the soleus muscle was used to reconstruct the second and third metatarsal bones and the soft-tissue defect, respectively. Now, 2 years after the procedure, the patient is able to walk independently. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of use of such a composite transfer for a complex midfoot defect.