Comparative Study of Degree of Great Toe Movement after Complete and Partial Flexor Hallucis Longus Harvest in Free Fibula Flap.

 The flexor hallucis longus (FHL) muscle is crucial in fine motor control of the great toe but the muscle is often sacrificed in free fibula flap (FFF) reconstruction. The aim of this study was to compare great toe movement between complete and partial FHL resection during FFF harvest to see if FHL can be left behind (without undergoing fibrosis) in situ when bulk is not required at the recipient site.  A prospective, cross-sectional, observational study was performed including patients undergoing FFF harvest over a 2-year period.