Free Lateral Calcaneal Flap

Abstract

Our cadaver dissection demonstrated that the lateral calcaneal artery is large enough for microsurgical anastomosis. Based on the finding, the lateral calcaneal flap was first successfully applied as a free flap that included the lesser saphenous vein and the sural nerve in the pedicle. This thin sensory flap, dispensing with main arterial damage, is indicated for the lesion of the posterior heel, plantar, and hand.