Retrospective Analysis in Lower Limb Reconstruction: Propeller Perforator Flaps versus Free Flaps

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (S 01) ◽  
pp. S34-S39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Cajozzo ◽  
Alessandro Innocenti ◽  
Massimiliano Tripoli ◽  
Giovanni Zabbia ◽  
Salvatore D'Arpa ◽  
...  

Background Technical advancements and increasing experience in the management of soft tissue defects in lower extremities have led to the evolution of decisional reconstructive algorithms. Both propeller perforator flaps (PPFs) and free flaps (FFs) proved to be useful methods of reconstruction for lower extremities defects, offering alternative reconstructive tools. We present a case series of PPFs and FFs for reconstruction of lower limbs defects, analyzing and comparing treatment and outcomes. Methods Through a retrospective analysis, we report our experience in performing PPFs or FFs for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the lower extremities, in patients admitted between 2010 and 2015 at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Palermo. In these patients, we evaluated location and causes of defects, types of flaps used, recipient vessels, complications, time to healing, and aesthetic outcome. Results A primary healing rate was obtained in 13 patients for PPF and 16 cases for FF. Revision surgery for partial skin necrosis was required in eight cases (PPF: four and FF: four). Recovery time and hospitalization period were eventually shorter in patients with FFs, due to lower rate of complications and revision surgery. Conclusion In the past years, our indications for reconstruction with PPFs in the lower limb have become more restricted, while we favor reconstruction with FFs. Recommendations are provided to orient surgical treatment in small, medium, and large lower limb defects.

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-23
Author(s):  
Yun-Seob Kim ◽  
Si-Gyun Roh ◽  
Jong-Lim Kim ◽  
Nae-Ho Lee ◽  
Jin Yong Shin

Background: Plastic and reconstructive surgeons consider a variety of options to salvage limbs of patients when operating on soft tissue defects of the plantar forefoot in diabetic foot ulcers. This study focuses on the efficacy and durability of perforator flaps compared to that of random flaps, when covering the plantar forefoot area in diabetic patients.<br/>Methods: From January 2011 to August 2020, we performed 49 plantar forefoot reconstructions to cover soft tissue defects in diabetes patients using local random flaps, regional perforator-based flaps, or free flaps. The patients’ clinical characteristics, size of defects, surgical outcomes and complications were reviewed retrospectively.<br/>Results: Forty-nine patients underwent plantar forefoot reconstruction over the period reviewed. Eleven patients were female and the others were male. The mean age of the patients was 54.2 years (range, 32–73 years). Median follow-up was 5.2 months. The mean size of the defect was 7.2×4.5 cm. During follow-up periods, partial or complete loss of flaps was closely observed. We identified wound complications in 67% of local random flaps compared to 11% and 21% in regional and free flaps, respectively.<br/>Conclusion: Soft tissue defects in the distal third of the foot can severely worsen diabetic patients’ quality of life. Perforator-based flaps, providing better vascularized tissue than random flaps, can be used to attain acceptable functional and aesthetic results for plantar forefoot reconstruction in diabetes patients.


2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (S 01) ◽  
pp. S27-S33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina Corno ◽  
Salvatore D'Arpa ◽  
Pietro Di Summa ◽  
Igor Pellegatta ◽  
Luigi Valdatta ◽  
...  

AbstractSoft tissue defects of the lower extremity that expose underlying bones, joints, and tendons pose challenging problems and generally require free tissue transfer for a successful reconstruction. Historically, muscle flaps were the gold standard choice for lower limb reconstruction. To obviate the unpredictable appearance and high donor-site morbidity of muscle flaps, fasciocutaneous flaps were introduced. Recently, perforator flaps, such as the anterolateral thigh flap, gained a leading role in the reconstructive scenario. There is growing evidence in the literature supporting that fasciocutaneous and perforator flaps are comparable to muscle flaps in terms of flap survival, postoperative infection, osteomyelitis, bone union, and ambulation. With the advances of knowledge in perforator anatomy and their mapping, a new era of lower limb reconstruction has begun. Propeller flap could be raised on any suitable perforator vessel and, without the aid of microsurgical anastomosis, used to restore small- to middle-sized soft tissue defects. In this review, we intend to analyze pros and cons of muscle and fasciocutaneous free flaps and the applicability of the propeller flaps in lower limb reconstruction.


2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (S 01) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matei Ileana ◽  
Alexandru Georgescu ◽  
Radu Lacatus ◽  
Manolis Daskalakis

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-37
Author(s):  
Debashis Biswas ◽  
Md Abul Kalam ◽  
Tanveer Ahmed ◽  
Md Rabiul Karim Khan

Extensive soft tissue defects following trauma, burn or after cancer surgery need coverage by flaps. Sometimes surrounding tissues are not healthy enough or quantity is not favorable to provide adequate pedicle flaps. Microvascular free flap can provide healthy tissue of adequate amount from distant area for those difficult situations.15 microvascular free flaps were performed from October 2011 to February 2013. Radial forearm free flap was done in 8 and Latissimusdorsi (LD) flap in 7 cases. 10 flaps done in foot, ankle & lower leg region (radial forearm-5, LD-5) and 5 flaps were done in face and scalp region (radial forearm-4, LD-1).12 flaps healed uneventfully with good coverage of the defect. Average ischemia time was 135 min (range 100-240 min) and average anastomosis time was 75 min (average 60-100 min). 2 flaps failed. There was necrosis of the tip of 2 LD and cumbersome swelling of the flap was found in 2 cases of LD flaps.Large soft tissue defect of body where local or regional flaps are not feasible; can be easily covered with free flaps. Its capacity to cover huge soft tissue defect has neutralizes its technical demand. Though complications are still high in our hands; can be reduced performing more number of cases. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bdjps.v3i2.18242 Bangladesh Journal of Plastic Surgery July 2012, 3(2): 33-37


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 188-195
Author(s):  
K.D. Babov ◽  
I.P. Khomenko ◽  
S.V. Tertyshnyi ◽  
Babova I.K. Babova I.K. ◽  
R.S. Vastianov

Building a modern system of rehabilitation of servicemen in Ukraine is an integral part of providing medical care in armed conflict. Rehabilitation of servicemen after gunshot wounds with soft tissue defects of the lower extremities is a common but difficult problem for surgical and rehabilitation teams. The process of rehabilitation requires the implementation of certain methodological provisions. At present, medical care for servicemen is a four-levels’ one. Rehabilitation service is provided at the third and fourth levels of medical care. The aim of the study was to improve the quality of medical care for servicemen after gunshot wounds with soft tissue defects of the lower extremities by introducing a system of staged rehabilitation. Organizational and methodological bases of the system of staged rehabilitation of wounded servicemen with soft tissue defects at different levels of medical care have been developed. Two models of rehabilitation depending on the severity of the injury and the tactics of surgical treatment are proposed. The division of the stage of early sanatorium rehabilitation for the wounded with severe soft tissue injuries depending on the stage of surgical treatment and the formation of a "skin patch" is justified. The introduction of the proposed models of rehabilitation of wounded with soft tissue defects in the practice of early sanatorium rehabilitation will provide increasing of medical care quality.


1970 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Parintosa Atmodiwirjo ◽  
Siti Handayani ◽  
Shelly Madona Djaprie

Extensive soft tissue defects present a dif!cult problem to the plastic surgeon as they are usually associated with exposed important structures such as vessels, nerves, tendons, joint cavity or bone. Reconstruction of soft tissue defects have a wide range of therapeutic options. We reconstructed soft tissue defect in many areas using free anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF). From Februari 2009 - 2010, 9 cases of soft tissue defects in the face, neck, leg and foot of various etiologic factors were admitted to the plastic and reconstructive surgery unit, Cipto Mangunkusumo general hospital. Trauma is the commonest cause of soft tissue defects of the lower extremity, followed by tumours. The cruris was the commonest site (4 cases, 44,4%). Flap success rate was 66,67 %. Failure was reported 1 cases in this study due to vein compromise. In our hospital, we are quite familiar with Anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) even though the case is limited. Anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) is used for reconstruction of various simple and complex soft tissue defects, for big and small defects with cavity (orbita).


Author(s):  
Elena Lucattelli ◽  
Irene Laura Lusetti ◽  
Federico Cipriani ◽  
Alessandro Innocenti ◽  
Giorgio De Santis ◽  
...  

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