The modified peroneal artery perforator-based propeller flap for the reconstruction of distal lower extremity defect / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the feasibility and clinical effect of modified peroneal artery perforatorbased propeller flap which excludes small saphenous vein and sural nerve for coverage of the soft tissue defects of the ankle and foot.Methods From January,2009 to August,2013,20 patients with soft tissue defects of the foot or ankle underwent the procedures of reconstruction.After the proper perforators being identified with doppler sonography,the propeller flap was designed,which selected the location where terminal perforator vessels perforate deep fascia as the pivot point,the line from this point to the point where the second perforator near the wound around the line from the midpopliteal point to the midpoint of the achilles tendon and lateral malleolus perforated the deep facia as the axis.The flap was raised above the level of the deep fascia.The small extrinsic vessels around the sural nerve and small saphenous vein were contained in the flap,while the small saphenous vein and sural nerve were kept in the original position.The donor site was closed directly.The skin flaps measured from 7 cm × 4 cm to 21 cm × 7 cm.Results All 20 flaps survived completely without complications.During 10-28 months' followed-up (average 13 months),all flaps showed good texture matches and contour.All patients recovered walking and shoe wearing function.No one showed sensory disturbances at the lateral foot.Conclusion The modified peroneal artery perforator-based propeller flap excluding small saphenous vein and sural nerve still has stable blood supply,which is an idea way for covering skin and soft tissue defects in foot and ankle.