[Use of "foot-bank" tissue to cover amputation stumps. Apropos of 4 cases].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The authors report 4 cases of plantar skin free transfer to cover an amputation stump.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In two cases, operated as emergencies, a flap based on the posterior tibial pedicle was harvested from a non-reimplantable extremity. In one case the calcaneum was included in the flap to provide a stump wide enough to hold a prosthesis. The two others cases concerned planned amputation of non-functional extremities, with free transfer of the available plantar skin areas.

RESULTS

All 4 patients healed well and the skin coverage provided a good quality stump which was rapidly equipped with prostheses.

DISCUSSION

Covering amputation stumps with a free flap from the foot bank has proven to be a reliable procedure, economic for the patient, affording a good physiologic bearing surface.

CONCLUSION

This method should proposed in emergency amputations according to local conditions, and may also be advantageous in some cases of secondary surgery.