[Clinical application of perforator-based propeller flaps in repair of hand wound].

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of the perforator-based propeller flaps (PPFs) based on digital artery (DA) and dorsal metacarpal artery (DMA) in repairing hand wounds. Methods: The clinical data of 45 patients with hand wounds between January 2018 and March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 27 males and 18 females with an average age of 41.2 years (range, 14-72 years). The causes of injury included twist injury in 15 cases, crush injury in 19 cases, and cut injury in 11 cases. The injured parts included 32 cases of digits, 10 cases of dorsal hand, and 3 cases of palmar hand, all of which had tendon, joint, and bone exposure. The time from injury to operation ranged from 2 to 8 hours (mean, 4.3 hours). The wound sizes after debridement ranged from 1.8 cm×1.0 cm to 5.0 cm×3.5 cm. Twenty-eight cases were repaired by the PPFs based on DA and 17 cases were repaired by the PPFs based on DMA. The flap size ranged from 2.5 cm×1.1 cm to 8.5 cm×4.0 cm. The defects of the donor sites in 14 patients were closed directly and the defects in the left 31 patients were resurfaced with free full-thickness skin graft from the proximal medial forearm. Results: All the flaps survived after operation. Two cases of the PPF based on DA and 1 case of the PPF based on DMA underwent partially blisters at the distal end and healed after dressing change. The incisions in the donor site healed by first intention and the skin grafts survived. All patients were followed up 10-33 months, with a mean of 15.4 months. At last follow-up, the static two-point discrimination of the PPFs based on DA and DMA were 4-14 mm and 8-20 mm with the averages of 8.1 mm and 13.3 mm, respectively. According to the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, 20 patients were very satisfied with the appearance of the PPF based on DA and 8 patients were satisfied; 8 patients were very satisfied with the appearance of the PPF based on DMA and 9 patients were satisfied. Based on the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), the appearance scores of the donor site of the PPFs based on DA and DMA were 2-7 and 4-9, with the averages of 4.2 and 6.1, respectively. Conclusion: The two kinds of PPFs are reliable in blood supply and easy to harvest, which provide a good method for emergency repair of small and medium area wounds in the hand.

Management of Liposarcoma With Posterior Intercostal Artery Propeller Flap Reconstruction: A Case Report.

This case shows the administration of a 57-year-old male with liposarcoma within the right flank region. Surgical treatment of the case included wide local excision (WLE), taken after reconstruction utilizing a posterior intercostal artery propeller flap. Postoperative care included regular checking for signs of repeat. Comparison with similar cases highlights the changeability in clinical introduction and surgical approaches for liposarcomas. This case emphasizes the significance of convenient diagnosis, fastidious surgical procedures, and successful reconstruction in overseeing liposarcomas. This case report points to highlights the clinical administration, surgical intercession, and postoperative care included in treating a giant liposarcoma and compares this case with similar instances to emphasize the challenges and procedures in treating liposarcomas.

Superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator propeller flap for penoscrotal extramammary Paget's disease.

BACKGROUND: Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare intra-epidermal adenocarcinoma, and reconstruction of the penoscrotal region remains a clinical challenge. The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap has been successfully used as a free flap, while its application as a propeller flap in the reconstruction of penoscrotal EMPD defect is rarely reported. The objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the SCIP propeller flap in the reconstruction of penoscrotal defects in EMPD. METHODS: Between September 2010 and August 2022, consecutive patients diagnosed with penoscrotal EMPD were enrolled. All patients underwent penoscrotal EMPD excision and reconstruction with SCIP propeller flap combined with other flaps or skin grafts on individual defects. Demographic information, surgical parameters, postoperative complications, patient satisfaction, and recurrence rates were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (mean age, 73 ± 8.8 years; mean BMI, 23.98 ± 3.62 kg/m2) with 33 SCIP propeller flaps (mean size 120.1 cm2; range, 24-208 cm2) were included, and the mean defect size was 67.4 cm2 (range, 12-255 cm2). The mean operative duration was 385.4 ± 146.8 min. Fifteen patients received autologous full-thickness skin grafts, and four received other flaps simultaneously. All flaps survived without total or partial loss, and all donor sites achieved primary closure, though local hematoma (one case) and limited skin graft necrosis (two cases) were observed. All patients experienced complete wound healing and maintained penoscrotal morphology and function without recurrent lesions over a mean follow-up of 59 months. CONCLUSIONS: The SCIP propeller flap seems a safe and effective reconstructive method for penoscrotal EMPD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Scrotal reconstruction after Fournier's Gangrene using the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) propeller flap: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Fournier's gangrene, a rare infectious condition affecting the external genitalia, often requires aggressive medical-surgical interventions, resulting in variable scrotal tissue loss. Despite numerous proposed reconstruction techniques, achieving a consensus on the most effective approach that balances aesthetics and function remains elusive. This case report presents a one-year follow-up on scrotal reconstruction using a pedicled Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator (SCIP) propeller flap. CASE REPORT: A 56-year-old patient with significant scrotal tissue loss due to Fournier's gangrene underwent scrotal reconstruction using a pedicled SCIP propeller flap. Optimal placement was ensured through a subcutaneous tunnel, with a thin thigh skin graft applied to cover the penile skin defect. DISCUSSION: The SCIP flap is distinguished by its thin and pliable characteristics, rapid harvesting and featuring a discreet donor site. It stands as a compelling alternative to skin grafts, providing advantages in sensory restoration, color congruence, and resilience against tension. Considering the thickness of the reconstruction helps both in recovering testicular function and improving the appearance by restoring the natural contour. CONCLUSION: The utilization of the pedicled SCIP propeller flap for scrotal tissue loss resulting from Fournier's gangrene has demonstrated both aesthetic and functional success, underscoring its potential as an effective reconstructive option.

Reconstruction of the anterior chest wall using the internal mammary artery perforator flap (IMAP): About a series of 23 cases.

BACKGROUND: The advent of propeller flaps has permitted new and less invasive coverage solutions for thoracic defects compared to conventional flaps. Through a retrospective analysis of our cases, we would like to show the advantages of the internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap for anterior chest wall reconstruction. METHODS: We included patients who underwent anterior chest wall reconstruction with an IMAP propeller flap in the Toulouse University Hospital's plastic surgery department from January 2019 to December 2022. The data were collected on patient data, skin defects, and flap characteristics. RESULTS: Twenty-three IMAP flaps were realized to cover locoregional defects. The skin paddle size of the IMAP flap averaged 15.6cm long (12-20)×6.7cm wide (4-10). The average arc of rotation of the flap was 113.5° (range 70-140°). In 3 cases, the IMAP flap was performed with a superior epigastric artery perforator flap (SEAP). In 3 cases out of 23, the flap partially necrotized, requiring surgical revision. In 1 case, the flap was fully necrotized and had to be removed. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our series of 23 IMAP flaps on thoracic reconstruction is one of the largest published to date. Our series shows that the IMAP flap offers a simple and reliable solution with minor donor site morbidity for reconstructing small to medium-sized defects in the medial and paramedian regions of the chest wall.

Propeller vs. free fasciocutaneous flap in reconstruction of complex lower limb defects-A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Of all body regions, lower extremity wounds have been and remain the greatest challenge. Free flaps have been accepted as a reasonable option to solve this dilemma, but they require the complexity of microsurgery. This study aimed to compare the postoperative and clinical outcomes of propeller flap and fasciocutaneous free flap in the reconstruction of complex lower limb defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted from July 2021 to June 2023. Selected patients were randomized into two groups: the propeller flap group and fasciocutaneous free flap group. Demographic data, preoperative parameters, and postoperative parameter, including esthetic analysis, scar assessment, neurosensory analysis, psychosocial analysis, and lower extremity function, were estimated and statistically significant compared between the two study groups. RESULTS: Road traffic accident (73.3%) was the most common etiology for lower limb defects in both groups. The foot and lower third of the leg were the most common site of defect, constituting 79.99%. The duration of surgery was significantly shorter in propeller flap as compared to fasciocutaneous free flaps. Flap size was smaller, with better neurosensory improvements in propeller flap group. Esthetic analysis, scar assessment, psychosocial analysis, and lower extremity functional analysis yielded similar results in both study groups. CONCLUSION: Propeller flap has better outcomes compared to free flap in terms of smaller size of flap, shorter duration of surgery, and reduced length of hospital stay. Comparable results were obtained with respect to esthetic score, scar assessment score, psychosocial analysis, and neurosensory recovery and lower extremity functional score.

Clinical outcomes of perforator-based propeller flaps versus free flaps in soft tissue reconstruction for lower leg and foot trauma: a retrospective single-centre comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of perforator-based propeller flaps (PPF) versus free flaps (FF) in traumatic lower leg and foot reconstructions are debated. PPFs are perceived as simpler due to advantages like avoiding microsurgery, but concerns about complications, such as flap congestion and necrosis, persist. This study aimed to compare outcomes of PPF and FF in trauma-related distal lower extremity soft tissue reconstruction. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 38 flaps in 33 patients who underwent lower leg and foot soft tissue reconstruction due to trauma at our hospital from 2015 until 2022. Flap-related outcomes and complications were compared between the PPF group (18 flaps in 15 patients) and the FF group (20 flaps in 18 patients). These included complete and partial flap necrosis, venous congestion, delayed osteomyelitis, and the coverage failure rate, defined as the need for secondary flaps due to flap necrosis. RESULTS: The coverage failure rate was 22% in the PPF group and 5% in the FF group, with complete necrosis observed in 11% of the PPF group and 5% of the FF group, and partial necrosis in 39% of the PPF group and 10% of the FF group, indicating no significant difference between the two groups. However, venous congestion was significantly higher in 72% of the PPF group compared to 10% of the FF group. Four PPFs and one FF required FF reconstruction due to implant/fracture exposure from necrosis. Additionally, four PPFs developed delayed osteomyelitis post-healing, requiring reconstruction using free vascularized bone graft in three out of four cases. CONCLUSIONS: Flap necrosis in traumatic lower-leg defects can lead to reconstructive failure, exposing implants or fractures and potentially causing catastrophic outcomes like osteomyelitis, jeopardizing limb salvage. Surgeons should be cautious about deeming PPFs as straightforward and microsurgery-free procedures, given the increased complication rates compared to FFs in traumatic reconstruction. DATA ACCESS STATEMENT: The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Reconstruction Using Perforator Propeller Flaps After Malignant Melanoma Resection of the Lower Extremity.

Introduction: Surgical excision with margin of 2 cm is the treatment of choice in malignant cutaneous melanoma when Breslow index is >1 mm. When located on the lower limb, these resections can lead to large defects that require complex reconstruction in order to salvage the limb. The use of propeller-perforator flaps has multiple advantages such as the preservation of adjacent muscles, decrease in morbidity in the donor site, and good aesthetic and functional results. Our objective is to expose our experience and results with the use of propeller-perforator flaps for coverage of this kind of defects. Materials and Methods: Patients with malignant cutaneous melanoma of the lower limb who required reconstruction with a propeller-perforator flap between the years 2015 and 2021 in our plastic surgery department were included in this retrospective research. Demographic, reconstructive, oncologic, and functional data were collected and analyzed. Results: The cohort of 22 patients showed 100% of successful reconstructive outcomes. Only 2 patients experienced distal necrosis of the flap that was resolved with local dressings. Fast recovery and early capacity to walk were achieved in the majority of the patients with an average of 10.1 days until weight-baring walking. The 2-year overall and progression-free survival rates were 86.37% and 81.82%, respectively. Conclusion: The use of propeller perforator flaps for oncological defects coverage in the lower limb location has to be considered as a reliable choice as it takes less surgical time and a faster recovery. It allows limb salvage with an adequate length and functionality, with minimal donor site morbidity and a lower index of complications, contributing to improve patient's quality of life and not delaying other oncological treatments.

Introduction: Une excision chirurgicale aux marges de 2 cm est le traitement de première intention des mélanomes cutanés malins lorsque l'indice de Breslow est supérieur à 1 mm. Situées sur un membre inférieur, ces résections peuvent provoquer de grosses anomalies qui exigent une reconstruction complète pour sauver le membre. Le recours aux lambeaux perforants en hélice comporte de multiples avantages, tels que la préservation des muscles adjacents, la diminution des problèmes médicaux au foyer du donneur ainsi que des résultats esthétiques et fonctionnels satisfaisants. Les auteurs visent à présenter leur expérience et leurs résultats lorsqu'ils recouvrent ce type d'anomalie à l'aide de lambeaux perforants en hélice. Matériel et méthodologie: Les patients atteints d'un mélanome cutané malin d'un membre inférieur qui nécessitaient une reconstruction à l'aide d'un lambeau perforant en hélice entre 2015 et 2021 au département de chirurgie plastique des auteurs ont été inclus dans la présente recherche rétrospective. Les auteurs ont recueilli et analysé les caractéristiques démographiques ainsi que les données reconstructives, oncologiques et fonctionnelles des patients. Résultats: Les résultats reconstructifs ont été satisfaisants dans toute la cohorte de 22 patients. Seuls deux d'entre eux ont vécu une nécrose distale du lambeau, qui a été corrigée par des pansements locaux. La majorité des patients se sont remis rapidement et ont pu recommencer à marcher tôt, soit en moyenne au bout de 10,1 jours avec mise en charge. Le taux de survie global et le taux d'absence de détérioration au bout de deux ans s'élevaient à 86,37 % et à 81,82 %, respectivement. Conclusion: Le recours à des lambeaux perforants en hélice pour couvrir des anomalies oncologiques du membre inférieur doit être considéré comme un choix fiable, car l'intervention chirurgicale et la convalescence sont plus courtes. Cette intervention permet de sauver le membre, dont la longueur et la fonction demeurent appropriées, elle est associée à des problèmes médicaux minimes au foyer du donneur et à un faible indice de complications, elle contribue à améliorer la qualité de vie du patient et elle ne retarde pas les autres traitements oncologiques.

Adipofascial Perforator Flaps for Peripheral Nerve Resurfacing after External Neurolysis.

Background: External neurolysis is an important approach to treating symptomatic peripheral nerve entrapment. In cases of recurrent neurolysis or particularly extensive neurolysis, a paucity of overlying soft tissue for closure over the freshly liberated nerve presents a challenge to long-term surgical success as primary closure of this tissue may predispose the patient to recalcitrant epineural scarring. We report the intermediate term outcomes of the use of adipofascial perforator flaps as a means of vascularised tissue resurfacing of nerves in these difficult scenarios. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing external neurolysis for painful peripheral nerve lesions who subsequently had soft tissue reconstruction with local adipofascial flaps. Data with regard to age, gender, limb involved, duration of symptoms, number of prior surgeries, operative time, type of flap, vascular basis of flap, duration of follow-up, visual analogue pain score, monofilament sensory testing and complications were collected. Results: We included six patients (four women) with a minimum follow-up period of 17 months (range: 17-25 months). Age ranged from 39 to 60 years of age. Four cases involved the upper extremity and two the lower extremity. Symptoms had been present between 1 and 10 years. All operations utilised a local adipofascial flap perfused by a named perforating vessel emanating from an adjacent axial vessel. Operative time for flap creation and inset was 74 minutes, on average. There was one minor complication owing to superficial wound dehiscence. All patients reported substantial pain relief (≥five-point reduction on visual analogue scale; scores 0-3 at last follow-up) and objective sensory testing demonstrated improvement. Conclusions: Our report pays particular attention to surgical technique that is applicable to both upper and lower extremities in addition to intermediate term safety and pain outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Management of deep sacral and ischial pressure injuries with free-style local perforator flaps: A D+P+DPD model.

BACKGROUND: Previous reports on the treatment of sacral and ischial pressure injuries have not provided clear algorithms for surgical therapies. The objective of this study was to establish a reconstruction algorithm to guide the selection of an ideal free-style perforator flap that can be tailored to the defect in question. METHODS: We used 23 perforator flaps to reconstruct 14 sacral and 8 ischial defects in 22 patients over 5 years. A reconstruction algorithm system was developed based on the anatomical features of the perforator vessels (diameter, D; pulsatility [++∼+++], P) and their position in the skin island (DPD) (ie, D+P+DPD). A perforator-based propeller flap was applied as the first-line choice; if this plan was not feasible, we applied an altered V-Y advancement model or another second-choice technique. RESULTS: All flaps survived, and only 1 patient experienced partial wound dehiscence, which healed by secondary intention. After an average follow-up period of 11.2 months, no patient experienced recurrence or infection. CONCLUSIONS: Free-style perforator flap selection is determined by pressure injury and the desired advantage of a specific approach. The use of free-style perforator-based propeller flaps allows a surgeon to transfer healthy tissue into the defect, shifts the suture line away from the bony prominence, and preserves additional future donor sites. In cases where unexpected variations are encountered, the V-Y advancement model or another technique can be used. The simplified surgical algorithm (D+P+DPD) can provide versatility and reliability, achieve a durable, natural esthetic outcome, and minimize injuries to future donor sites.

Repairing of recurrent leg ulcer induced by hydroxyurea with posterior tibial artery perforator propeller flap: Case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Hydroxyurea is a cytotoxic drug commonly used to treat various myeloproliferative disorders. However, prolonged oral administration of this drug may trigger skin side effects and ulcers. There are few clinical reports on treating leg ulcers caused by hydroxyurea and even fewer clinical reports on managing recurrent ulcers after treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: An 87-year-old woman with essential thrombocythemia presented with a painful skin ulcer on her left calf. After failed outpatient treatment, she opted for hospitalisation for free skin grafting. Four months later, ulcers reappeared at the transplant site, leading to her readmission to the hospital. The diagnosis revealed that the leg ulcers were caused by hydroxyurea. Despite this, she persisted with hydroxyurea treatment and subsequently underwent posterior tibial artery perforator flap surgery. During the two-year follow-up, a new ulcer developed on the medial condyle of her other calf. However, no new ulcers or local pain were observed in the area where perforator flap grafting was performed. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Leg ulcers caused by hydroxyurea are rare clinically and can easily be misdiagnosed. There is currently minimal research on ulcer recurrence after treatment. Posterior tibial perforator flaps may more effectively promote the healing of recurrent ulcers. CONCLUSION: Compared to conservative treatment and skin grafting surgery, the posterior tibial artery perforator flap offers a dependable blood supply and enhances the likelihood of wound healing. It can be considered an option, particularly for recurrent and refractory ulcers, even without discontinuing medication.

Perforator-Based Propeller Flap with Additional Venous Pedicle for Lower Limb Reconstruction.

Propeller flaps are effective reconstructive tools for small-to-medium sized defects of the lower limb and a reasonable alternative to free flaps. A major vessel of the lower limb remains undisturbed while raising the flap and the flap donor and recipient areas are addressed in the same operative field. Perforator-based propeller flaps are based on single perforator arising from a major vessel and during rotation of the larger paddle there is a possibility of kink in the venous component leading to congestion of flap. In our modification, one superficial vein of the lower limb namely the great saphenous or short saphenous vein was included in the flap territory to enhance the retrograde or antegrade venous drainage of the flap. We observed, no flap congestion or necrosis in the postoperative period. Also, the patency of the incorporated vein was confirmed using handheld and color Doppler.

Subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap technique for microscopic reconstruction of eyelid defects.

AIM: To describe the subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap technique for the microscopic reconstruction of eyelid defects and evaluate its outcomes. METHODS: The clinical data of 23 patients (23 eyes) who underwent microscopic reconstruction of eyelid defects with the subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap technique were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent eyelid tumor resection and one-stage microscopic reconstruction with the subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap for anterior- or posterior-layer eyelid defects. The survival rate of the propeller flap, eyelid function and appearance, tumor recurrence rate, and patient satisfaction were evaluated after the surgery. RESULTS: The patients consisted of 12 men and 11 women, aged 31-82y (mean, 58.9y). The longest follow-up time was 5y, and the shortest was 3mo. All the propeller flaps survived well. There was no significant difference in color and luster between the flap and adjacent tissues, and there was no dog ear phenomenon. No obvious scarring was observed. There were no obvious abnormalities of eyelid morphology or function, and no adverse complications such as exposure keratitis, entropion, ectropion, ptosis, and eyelid retraction. No tumor recurrence was found at the time of the last follow-up. All patients were satisfied with the surgical results. CONCLUSION: The subcutaneous pedicled propeller flap technique for the microscopic reconstruction of eyelid defects has satisfactory outcomes in terms of eyelid function and esthetics, and merits clinical application.

The anatomic relationship of dorsal arterial perforators of the distal forearm, wrist, and dorsum of the hand with conclusions for the clinic.

BACKGROUND: Extended soft tissue defects of the fingers are often challenging to treat, and therefore, we performed cadaver dissections to elucidate the anatomic relationship between dorsal arterial perforators of the distal upper extremities to support the development of new local flaps. METHODS: Ten fixated cadaveric distal dorsal lower forearms were dissected to their arterial perforators down to 0.1 mm diameter in size with identification of their relationship. RESULTS: Dorsal distal fascia piercing perforators of the lower forearm come in two distinct rows, radial and ulnar, of the fourth extensor compartment. These were interconnected by subfascial axial arteries in line. The most proximal perforator is usually located 8-10 cm from the dorsal wrist, the most distal about 1-2 cm, and on average, only three subcutaneous bridging vessels connect both axial systems. The number of less reliable subcutaneous arterial connecting vessels between the dorsal wrist and forearm is also fairly limited to only one or two. More constant bridging arteries interconnect at the level of the dorsal retinaculum between the axial systems of the hand and lower forearm. At the level of the dorsum of the hand perforators reaching the skin, they interconnect in an arcuate fashion. This unique distribution pattern could be used for freestyle perforator propellor flaps of the hand, as we demonstrated in a case directly derived from our recent research. CONCLUSION: In our opinion, a super-extended perforator flap should be possible with the inclusion of the bridging arteries in flap design at the level of the dorsal retinaculum.

Reconstruction of the shortened columella in mild bifid nose using a propeller flap based on the nasal columella artery.

Bifid nose generally appears short columellar and lacks the nasal tip. Here, we describe a surgical correction technique for correcting the short columellar and nasal tip of bifid nose using a local flap to discuss outcomes, patient selection, and complications based on 11 years of experience. Thirty-two patients with mild wide bifid nose and shortened columella were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent nasal rhinoplasty using a propeller flap based on the nasal columella artery. Nasal columella length, horizontal distance of tip-defining point, and angle of facial convexity were evaluated based on three-dimensional simulation technology. Complications including possible underlying reasons were analyzed. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a self-assessment survey. Nasal esthetics and function were considerably improved. Follow-up examinations during a period of 9 months on average demonstrated stable results. The columella length was 9.7 ± 4.6 mm preoperatively and 19.9 ± 3.2 mm postoperatively (P < 0.05). The horizontal distance of tip-defining point (mm) decreased to 18.9 ± 5.5 mm postoperatively from a preoperative 23.3 ± 5.4 mm (P < 0.05). There were no severe postoperative complications. Complications were scar, temporary hematoma, and mild infection of nasal skin. The majority of patients (97%) rated their outcome as improved and much improved. Surgical correction using a nasal columella artery propeller flap is an effective therapeutic approach for patients with mild bifid nose. The use of a local flap along with minimal donor-site morbidity and reliable outcomes contributes to the high patient acceptance. Meticulous surgical technique and careful patient selection are prerequisites for successful results.

Role of perforator flaps in leg and foot reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Lower extremity wounds have always been a challenge for the reconstructive surgeons. Free perforator flaps are considered to be the best option for this problem but require the complexity of microsurgery. So, pedicled perforator flaps have emerged as an alternative option. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective study was conducted in 40 patients with traumatic soft tissue defects in the leg and foot. The free flaps included the anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) and medial sural artery perforator flap (MSAP). In pedicled perforator flaps group, 10 cases were designed as propeller flaps while the other 10 flaps were designed as perforator plus flaps. RESULTS: Free flaps were mainly used for large-sized defects; we had one case of partial flap loss and one case of complete flap necrosis.  MSAP flap was the first option for coverage of large-sized defects on foot and ankle as it is a thin and pliable flap, while ALT flap was used for coverage of larger defects on the leg. Pedicled perforator flaps were used mainly for small to medium-sized defects, especially in the lower third of the leg; we had three cases of flap loss in propeller flap design while we had no cases of flap loss in perforator plus flap. CONCLUSION: Perforator flaps have become a reasonable solution for soft tissue defects of the lower extremity. Careful assessment of the dimensions, location, patient comorbidities, availability of surrounding soft tissue and presence of adequate perforators are mandatory for proper perforator flap selection.

How to Transform a Perforator Propeller Flap into a Keystone Flap in Case of Unsatisfying Perforator Vessel Local Perforator Flap Coverage in Limbs.

Moderate soft-tissue defects need stable coverage, ideally with tissue of similar characteristics and low donor site morbidity. We propose a simple technique for the coverage of moderate skin defects in the limbs. It allows intraoperative transformation of a propeller perforator flap (PPF) into a keystone design perforator flap (KDPF) in cases of unsatisfying perforator vessel or in cases of unpredictable intraoperative events. Between March 2013 and July 2019, nine patients with moderate soft-tissue defects (mean defect size 4.5 × 7.6 cm) in the limbs (two on the upper limbs and seven on the lower limbs) were covered using this technique. We performed four PPFs and five KDPFs. The mean follow-up was 5 months. There was one complication, partial distal tip necrosis in a PPF located in the leg, which healed by secondary intention within 3 weeks. The donor site was closed directly in all cases. No functional impairments were noted regardless of the perforator flap utilized. This technique enables us to employ flexible surgical strategies and allows us to make adjustments based on the patient's vascular anatomy.

Propeller Flaps for Lower Back Defects.

What are the reconstructive challenges of the lumbosacral area?What are the goals and principles of reconstructing the lumbosacral defect?What are propeller flaps?How are propeller flaps used in the lumbosacral region?

Clinical Application of the Peroneal Artery Perforator Flap for Reconstruction of Lateral Malleolus Defects.

The reconstruction of defects of the lateral malleolus involving the exposed fibular bone or tendon is challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical application of the peroneal artery perforator flap with or without split-thickness skin grafting for soft tissue reconstruction of the bony defect of the lateral malleolus of the ankle joints. Reconstruction using a peroneal artery perforator flap with or without split-thickness skin grafting was performed for 15 patients (10 men, 5 women) between January 2007 and December 2018. The mean age was 53.7 years, and the mean size of the flaps was 40 cm2. The flaps were elevated in the form of a perforator flap, and split-thickness skin grafting was performed over the flaps and adjoining raw areas. The flaps survived in all cases; however, partial necrosis was observed in 3 cases. In cases of small-sized defects of the lateral malleolus of the ankle joints where a flap is required for the exposed bone or tendon, reconstruction using the peroneal artery perforator flap is advantageous, since the morbidity rate of the donor site is low and soft tissue is reconstructed.