[Degloving injuries of the soft tissues of the heel. An indication for microvascular revascularization!]

Abstract

The sole of the foot has a unique soft tissue structure which allows weightbearing. There is no adequate reconstructive method for soft tissue defects of the weightbearing sole. Soft tissue reconstructions in this area frequently develop stress lesions. After degloving injuries of the heel, the unique vascularisation of the sole may lead to ischemia and consecutive soft tissue necrosis. Revascularisation of degloved heel pads e.g. by reconstruction of the medial calcaneal branch of the posterior tibial artery is recommended as a salvage procedure. In the primary treatment of extremity injuries with severe soft tissue damage a plastic surgeon should be involved.