[Surgical treatment of extensive defects of the tissues and trophic ulcers in the area of the heel tendon using an L-shaped flap].

Operations were conducted on 22 patients with defects in soft tissues and trophic ulcers of cicatrix in the region of the calcaneal tendon. In 16 patients with extensive cicatricial lesions occupying two distal thirds or the whole region, an L-shaped flap of skin and fat was used, it was formed on the postero-lateral distal third of the leg, in the zone of the lateral malleolus and the lateral surface of the foot. The flap measured 20-22 cm in length and 6-7 cm in width. The ratio of the vertical part of the flap to the horizontal part was 3:1, 2:1, or 1:1 depending on the level of the defect and the area of the wound. The flap is mobilized strictly along the fascia so as not to injure the subcutaneous fat. The sural nerve is included in the flap to preserve its sensitivity, the rich venous network of the small saphenous vein provides for drainage, while the perforating arteries of the anterior tibial and fibular arteries, entering the base of the flap, ensure a sufficiently stable collateral circulation. Necrosis of the end of the flap occurred in 2 among 16 patients, in obliteration of the leg arteries (1) and cutting of tissues in the zone of the flap base (1) during previous surgical intervention. Complete healing was achieved in all cases; there were no recurrences in follow-up periods of 6 months to 8 years. The L-shaped flap retained its normal properties, the deformity of the donor site was negligible.