OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of pre-fabricated free skin flap in reconstruction and repair of skin defect of foot in weight-bearing area. METHODS: Eight cases of skin defect of foot in weight-bearing area, due to trauma, were repaired by such an approach; free skin flap was designed and pre-fabricated at the contralateral plantar center, and 3 weeks later the free skin flap, with sensory nerve was transplanted to the site of skin defect, fixed by stitches through drilled holes in the calcaneous bone. All of 8 cases were followed up for 15 to 23 months before clinical evaluation. RESULTS: The wound healed well with no ulcer or deformity. According to American AOFAS scoring standard, it was more than 80 in 5 cases, more than 75 in 2 cases and 70 in one case. CONCLUSION: The pre-fabricated free skin flap from the contralateral plantar center is a good option to reconstruct and repair the skin defect of foot in weight-bearing area, with low ulcer occurrence and good contour.
