Combined free flap of muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior in the repair of child's traumatic foot injury: a case report

Multi-tissue injuries to the foot are common in the pediatric population. Microsurgical repairs are part of the therapeutic arsenal in pediatric reconstructive surgery. We report the case of a 4-year-old boy involved in a lawnmower accident resulting in complete amputation of the hallux, soft tissue damage, and exposure of the calcaneus and first metatarsal. A combined free flap repair using muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior was performed. The patient was reviewed at 3 months and 1 year with radio-clinical and podoscopic examination. Weight bearing on the foot and on the flap was completely restored without skin fragility. Aesthetics were assessed using a numerical scale and foot function using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) scores. The results of these scores were good, with a clear improvement at 1 year. Repair of the traumatic foot in children requires a robust surgical strategy to restore function and aesthetics to this complex organ. Our combined free flap of muscle-sparing latissimus dorsi and serratus anterioris are the only ones described in the literature. It appears to be a reliable treatment option, with no morbidity and good functional results.