ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of reconstruction of plantar degloving injuries using a prefabricated anterolateral thigh plantar glabrous skin flap (PALT-PGSF).MethodsTwelve patients, aged 22-56 years, with plantar degloving injuries were treated between July 2016 and December 2022. These defects are typically caused by traffic or machinery trauma. The avulsed plantar skin surfaces are intact, but revascularization are deemed unsuitable. The free tissue flaps transposed to reconstruct the defects were PALT-PGSFs. The flap size varied in width (6-13) cm and length (8-26 cm). The time from admission to reconstruction was 14-32 days (average, 23.1 days). The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 87 months (mean, 36.6 months).ResultsEight cases were closed primarily and the other four were covered with skin grafts. All flaps survived; however, one case underwent an exploration procedure twice due to venous and arterial thrombosis. In two cases, ulcers occurred in the nonfabricated area of the flap, which was excised and replaced by PALT-PGSF area during the internal fixation removal and defatting procedure. In the other two cases, ulcers appeared on the front or outside of the feet. All the cases gained protective sensation on the weight-bearing portion of the heel. Patients can perform daily walking normally, and younger patients can even complete running and jumping exercises.ConclusionWe advocate the use of the ALT-PGSF for the reconstruction of plantar degloving injuries.
Zhang et al. (Fri,) studied this question.