Posterior tibial adiposal flap for repair of wide, full-thickness defect of the Achilles tendon

Wide, full-thickness defects on the posterior aspect of the distal lower leg involving the Achilles tendon are usually repaired with free fasciocutaneous flaps or local skin flaps. The former require microvascular techniques; there is a donor-site scar due to skin grafting; and a longer operating time. The latter results in a wide scar near the donor defect. The authors developed a new reconstructive procedure using local fascia turned over to create a new Achilles tendon, and wrapping it with a posterior tibial adiposal island flap based on the dominant perforator of the posterior tibial artery, which was elevated from the medial aspect of the lower leg. The advantages of this method are that no donor scar appeared on the posterior aspect of the lower leg, and there was no need for microvascular techniques. This method is especially suitable for young women.