BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of foot and ankle defects requires selecting an appropriate durable and aesthetically appealing option. From the different options, the procedure\'s choice depends on the defect\'s size, location, and donor area\'s availability. Patients\' main goal is to have an acceptable biomechanical outcome.
METHODS: In this prospective study, we have included patients who had undergone reconstruction of the ankle and foot defects between January 2019 and June 2021. Patient demographics, location and size of the defect, different procedures, complications, sensory recovery, ankle hindfoot score, and satisfaction score were recorded.
RESULTS: 50 patients with foot and ankle defects were enrolled in this study. All flaps survived except one free anterolateral thigh flap. Five locoregional flaps developed minor complications, and all skin grafts healed well. The Ankle Hindfoot Score outcome has no significant relation with the anatomical location of the defects and the reconstructive procedure. All patients reconstructed using random local flap and with free flap were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome.
CONCLUSIONS: Because of limited soft tissue, local flap availability is restricted to small defects. Satisfaction rates are high in local and free flaps and are best suited for reconstructing the weight-bearing part of the foot. Bulky flaps should be avoided over the dorsum and ankle region.

Soft tissue defects around the foot and ankle region often present an awkward problem for plastic surgeons. The medial plantar artery flap raised from the non-weightbearing instep of the plantar foot offers a thick, sensorial, durable, and glabrous skin. The reversed sural artery flap offers a reliable option for coverage with the advantages of a wide arc of rotation, adequate dimensions, and a reliable blood supply. The present study compared the outcomes of the medial plantar artery flap and the distally based sural artery flap in foot and ankle reconstruction. The present comparative cross-sectional study included 30 adult patients with soft tissue defects in the foot and around the ankle, who were divided into 2 equal groups. One group underwent reconstruction with the proximally based island medial plantar artery flap (MPAF). The second group underwent reconstruction with the reversed sural artery flap (RSAF). The operative time and complications were carefully recorded. The surgical outcomes in terms of flap survival, durability of coverage, and functional outcome were assessed for all patients. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in age, sex, etiology, or site of the defect. The defect size was significantly smaller in the MPAF group than in the RSAF group (22 ± 2.7 cm2 versus 66.2 ± 7.7 cm2; p < .001). However, the operative time was significantly longer in the MPAF group than in the RSAF group (100 ± 2.9 minutes versus 80.5 ± 3.1 minutes; p < .001). The flap survived in all cases in the MPAF group, but total flap necrosis occurred in 1 patient in the RSAF group. The mean follow-up period was 13.2 months. Weightbearing was significantly earlier in the MPAF group than in the RSAF group (5.8 ± 0.26 weeks versus 6.9 ± 0.19 weeks; p = .003). None of the 30 patients developed recurrent ulceration. The incidence of complications (33.3% versus 80%) was significantly less in the MPAF group than in the RSAF group (p = .01). Significantly greater improvement was found in the functional outcomes in the MPAF group compared with the RSAF group (p = .004). In conclusion, the MPAF and distally based sural artery flap are the 2 flaps available for foot and ankle reconstruction. However, the MPAF offers better functional outcomes with a lower frequency of postoperative complications. Thus, the sensate MPAF is recommended for reconstruction of moderate-size defects of the foot and ankle region.