Application of perforator-based neurocutaneous flap in repair of soft tissue defects of lower extremity in plateau area / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of perforator-based neurocutaneous flaps in repairing soft tissue defects of lower extremity in plateau area.Methods:Forty-eight patients who received perforator-based neurocutaneous local flaps to repair soft tissue defects of lower extremity from August, 2017 to December, 2019 were entered a follow-up study. The patients were 17 to 65 years old, 29 males and 19 females. There were 23 flaps with sural neurocutaneous perforator, 15 with saphenous neurocutaneous perforators, and 10 with superficial peroneal neurocutaneous perforators. The size of soft tissue defects ranged from 4.0 cm×3.5 cm to 15.0 cm×12.0 cm. And the size of the flaps ranged from 6.0 cm×4.5 cm to 16.0 cm×13.0 cm. The donor sites of 17 cases were directly sutured, and the rest of 31 were repaired by skin graft. The regular follow-up was performed.Results:Of the 48 cases, 33 neurocutaneous flaps survived completely, 9 had necrosis around edge of the skin after surgery and healed after hyperbaric oxygen therapy and dressing change, and 6 had complete necrosis after surgery and healed after vacuum assisted drainage and skin grafting. In 6 to 12(average, 9.6) months of follow-up after surgery, the shape and texture of flaps were in good condition with the patient satisfaction rate on functional evaluation(joint motions, standing, walking) at 75.45%.Conclusion:Perforator-based neurocutaneous flap is an excellent choice for the repair of soft tissue defects of lower extremity in plateau area because of its reliable blood supply and minimal damage to donor site.