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Full-Text Articles in Podiatry
Innovative Techniques In Preventing And Salvaging Neurovascular Pedicle Flaps In Reconstructive Foot And Ankle Surgery., Thomas Zgonis, John Stapleton
Innovative Techniques In Preventing And Salvaging Neurovascular Pedicle Flaps In Reconstructive Foot And Ankle Surgery., Thomas Zgonis, John Stapleton
John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS
Pedicle flaps to cover soft tissue defects of the foot, ankle, and lower extremity are invaluable. However, venous congestion and flap necrosis, a common complication, poses greater morbidity to the patient as few remaining options for attempted limb salvage remain. The authors discuss how to prevent flap failure by allowing close observation and strict offloading of the pedicle flap through current external fixation designs. This article also discusses the role of medicinal leeches in reestablishing blood flow through the pedicle flap to prevent tissue necrosis. In addition, the use of hydrosurgery as an innovative technique offers the surgeon another option …
Plantar Foot Donor Site As A Harvest Of A Split-Thickness Skin Graft., Ronald Belczyk, John Stapleton, Peter A Blume, Thomas Zgonis
Plantar Foot Donor Site As A Harvest Of A Split-Thickness Skin Graft., Ronald Belczyk, John Stapleton, Peter A Blume, Thomas Zgonis
John J Stapleton DPM, FACFAS
The authors present a minimally invasive procedure for harvesting a split thickness skin graft (STSG) from the plantar surface of the foot. This is another option to consider for soft tissue reconstruction of diabetic foot wounds to help restore form and function and to prevent amputation. The authors do not recommend this technique for all soft tissue wounds of the toes and plantar aspect of the foot but believe it is a viable option for selected small diabetic foot wounds that may benefit from a STSG.