Background

Persistent low back and leg pain is a common and highly disabling musculoskeletal condition. Many patients seek the opinion of a neurosurgeon with a view to surgical intervention. Few data are available which document the experiences of patients at these consultations.

Statement of purpose

To demonstrate how contemplating reconstructive options among members of Orthoplastic team can prevent accidental damage during initial wound debridement in foot and ankle injuries

Complex defects of the foot and ankle often require input from plastic and orthopaedic surgeons. There are different reconstructive options but one excellent regional option for small defects is the Extensor Digitorum Brevis muscle (EDB) flap. The anatomy of the flap and surgical technique and utility are described and demonstrated through a case series.

We present a series of 4 consecutive cases of the use of the pedicled EDB flap for soft tissue coverage of difficult defects around the foot and ankle. This regional pedicled flap can be proximally based to cover defects around the ankle or distally based for distal foot coverage. When possible, it facilitates a reconstruction with minimal donor site morbidity, shorter operating times, and fewer complications than alternative options

The flap would usually be performed by the plastic surgical member of the orthoplastic team, but an understanding of it by foot and ankle and reconstructive orthopaedic surgeons is relevant as it's vascular supply via the lateral tarsal artery can be easily damaged, preventing its use in the management of wound complications or trauma.