Use of the SurroSense Rx System for Sensory Substitution of the Insensate Plantar Foot Resurfaced With Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Free Flap and Skin Graft

Abstract

Degloving injuries of the foot pose an important challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. Key features of reconstruction include sensibility, stability, and durability. Preservation of plantar sensibility is considered to be a critical factor in the evaluation of lower extremity trauma, with its absence once being considered an indication for amputation. However, recent studies show that outcomes following limb preservation are not as adversely affected by a lack of plantar sensation than was once thought. With the increasing practice pattern of attempting limb salvage in the face of impaired plantar sensation, methods and devices designed to provide patients with maximal protection for loss of protective sensation (LOPS) in the affected limb are critical. The authors present the innovative use of the SurroSense Rx smart insole system (Orpyx Medical Technologies Inc, Calgary, Canada) in the management of LOPS in a patient with a degloving injury of the foot that was reconstructed with a latissimus dorsi free flap and skin graft. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of use of such a system following a traumatic injury to the lower extremity.