Distally based sural perforator propeller flap for foot and ankle reconstruction: technical pedicle evolufion / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo introduce the operative technique of pedicle evolution from isolated perforator to perforator-plus-adipofascial,and investigate its clinical results in venous drainage and safety in distallybased sural flaps.MethodsAfter identifying the proper viable perforators,the whole flap was designed in an eccentric propeller shape,with the perforating vessels corresponding to the pivot point.The proximal larger blade was a fasciocutaneous flap, while the distal smaller blade was a subdermal vascular plexus flap,preserving at least a quarter area of adipofascial tissue around the perforator.From January 2008 to December 2010,we performed distally perforator-adipofascial pedicled sural fasciocutaneous propeller flap in 12 patients,with 180 degrees rotation to cover foot and ankle defects.Postoperatively,flap swelling,survival and functional recovery were evaluated. Results There were 7 posterior tibial artery perforator flaps from the posteromedial and 5 peroneal artery perforator flaps from the posterolateral sural region. The proximal fasciocutaneous flap measured 4 cm × 8 cm-6 cm × 18cm, and the distal cutaneous flaps measured 2 cm × 2cm-4 cm × 4 cm.Flap swelling was noted under grade 2 in 9 cases,grade 3 in 2 cases,and grade 4 in 1case with some distal superficial skin necrosis,which occurred in the largest flap in our series.All flaps survived eventfully.After average 13 months follow up,the wound were cured successfully,and all patients recovered walking and shoe wearing function. ConclusionPedicle evolution by keeping some adipofascial tissue around the pivot perforator, can preserve more venous return routes and relieve flap swelling. This technique should be recommended in perforator pedicled propeller flaps,as it enhances flap safety,and without increasing the difficulty of 180 degrees rotation.