Controlled early ambulation of heel surface defects covered by pedicle flaps in lower-limb amputees.

A program of early weight-bearing for full-thickness pedicle flaps over heel-pad defects is described. This successful program used simple shoe inserts and convalescent shoes, but more important, also utilized an inexpensive pressure gage which aided in the control and distribution of weight-bearing forces on the sole and heel flap. With proper support of the flap, the patient can return to normal activities very early. One patient was able to ski with a foam-injected ski boot. Careful and detailed postoperative monitoring of the patient is necessary to obtain such results. Following surgery, care of the pedicle flap should not be left up to the patient.