Experiences with the lateral calcaneal artery flap.

A chronic ulcer of the posterior heel or lateral ankle can be a large problem for the patient. The lateral calcaneal artery flap is a reliable neurovascular local skin flap that can cover the defect after excision of the ulcer in this area. The flap includes the lateral calcaneal artery, sural nerve, and lesser saphenous vein. We performed seven lateral calcaneal artery flaps from 1974 to 1986 for chronic ulcers of the heel or lateral malleolus. None failed. All patients can wear closed shoes. Two donor sites showed secondary healing. One donor site showed hyperkeratosis resulting from inappropriate planning of the flap.