Leg repairs with an island flap from the dorsum of the foot, based on the anterior tibial vessels.

We report 20 chronic leg ulcers successfully treated by rotating an anterior tibial flap, which is a modification of the dorsalis pedis flap. The sizes of the flaps ranged from 6 x 6 cm up to 15 x 13 cm; the largest ones are not recommended, for fear of development of persistent lymphedema of the foot. These flaps are dissected upward through the leg and pedicled on the anterior tibial vessels, so they can be rotated to any site on the anterior, lateral, or medial side of the leg.