Jiga LP, et al. - Researchers explored the utility and safety of the free vastus lateralis muscle flap for optimal soft tissue coverage of the weight-bearing foot. This study included 18 consecutive patients with soft tissue defects of the heel (n=3, 16.6%) and plantar aspect of the mid- and forefoot (n=15, 83.3%) of either post traumatic (n=10), diabetic (n=6) or ischemic (n=2) etiology, received nineteen free vastus lateralis muscle free flaps covered with split-thickness skin grafts. They analyzed postoperative results in terms of wound healing, weight-bearing function, patient satisfaction. Using the AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) scoring system preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively, reconstruction outcomes were evaluated in patients with chronic conditions (n=8). The data indicates that the skin-grafted free vastus lateralis muscle flap can safely be applied as a “smart” tool for coverage of weight-bearing foot giving optimal cushioning and functional outcomes without fearing donor-side morbidity.