Abductor hallucis muscle flap with circular external fixation for Charcot foot osteomyelitis: a case report

Abstract

Complicated soft tissue defects of the diabetic foot often call for alternative methods to traditional primary closure. Despite the popularity of microvascular free flaps, local muscle flaps can offer reliable reconstruction for these challenging wounds with shorter surgical times and reduced complication rates. In this article, the authors describe the successful use of the abductor hallucis muscle flap and external fixation for soft tissue reconstruction of a chronic Charcot foot wound and osteomyelitis in a diabetic patient.

Keywords: muscle flaps; diabetic foot; osteomyelitis; Charcot neuroarthropathy; external fixation

(Published: 11 May 2011)

Citation: Diabetic Foot & Ankle 2011, 2: 6336 - DOI: 10.3402/dfa.v2i0.6336