The Effect of Perforator Skeletonization on Pedicled Fasciocutaneous Flaps of the Lower Extremity: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (09) ◽  
pp. 634-644
Author(s):  
Carol E. Soteropulos ◽  
Nikita O. Shulzhenko ◽  
Harry S. Nayar ◽  
Samuel O. Poore

Abstract Background Lower extremity defects often require free tissue transfer due to a paucity of local donor sites. Locoregional perforator-based flaps offer durable, single-stage reconstruction while avoiding the pitfalls of microsurgery. Multiple harvest techniques are described, yet few studies provide outcome comparisons. Specifically, no study has examined the impact of perforator flap pedicle skeletonization on reconstructive outcomes. This systematic review characterizes technique and impact of pedicle skeletonization on perforator-based fasciocutaneous flaps of the lower extremity. Methods PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were reviewed for literature examining perforator-based fasciocutaneous flaps from knee to ankle, from January 2000 through November 2018. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews-Individual Participant Data (PRISMA-IPD) structure was used. Results Thirty-six articles were included for quantitative analysis. Of 586 flaps, 365 were skeletonized (60.1%) with 58 major (9.9%) and 19 minor complications (3.2%). With skeletonization, overall reoperative rate was higher (odds ratio [OR]: 9.71, p = 0.004), specifically in propeller (OR: 12.50, p = 0.004) and rotational flaps (OR: 18.87, p = 0.004). The complication rate of rotational flaps also increased (OR: 2.60, p = 0.04). Notably, skeletonization reduced complications in flaps rotated 90 degrees or more (OR: 0.21, p = 0.02). Reoperative rate of distal third defects (OR: 14.08, p = 0.02), flaps over 48 cm2 (OR: 33.33, p = 0.01), and length to width ratios over 1.75 (OR: 7.52, p = 0.03) was increased with skeletonization. Skeletonization increased complications in traumatic defects (OR: 2.87, p = 0.04) and reduced complications in malignant defects (OR: 0.10, p = 0.01). Conclusion Pedicled, perforator-based flaps can provide a reliable locoregional alternative to free tissue transfer for lower extremity defects. Though skeletonization increased the overall reoperative rate, the complication rate for flaps with 90 degrees or more of rotation was significantly reduced. This suggests skeletonization should be considered when large rotational movements are anticipated to reduce complications that can arise from pedicle compression and venous congestion.

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 391-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.J. Fitzgerald O’Connor ◽  
M. Vesely ◽  
P.J. Holt ◽  
K.G. Jones ◽  
M.M. Thompson ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (01) ◽  
pp. 001-007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol Soteropulos ◽  
Jenny Chen ◽  
Samuel Poore ◽  
Catharine Garland

Background Free tissue transfer for lower extremity reconstruction is a safe and reliable option for a wide range of challenging wounds; however, no consensus exists regarding postoperative management. Methods A systematic review of postoperative management of lower extremity free tissue transfer was conducted using Medline, Cochrane Database, and Web of Science. Multicenter surveys, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case series were reviewed. Results Fifteen articles investigating current protocols, flap physiology, and aggressive dangle protocols were reviewed. The following evidence-based conclusions were made: (1) Free tissue transfer to the lower extremity is unique due to altered hemodynamics and dependency during orthostasis. Free flap circulation is dependent on locally mediated responses and deprived of compensatory muscular and neurovascular mechanisms that prevent venous congestion in the normal extremity. (2) Compressive wrapping reduces venous congestion and edema and may induce ischemic conditioning, which can increase blood flow. (3) Dangle protocols vary widely in timing of initiation, frequency, and monitoring. Small volume studies examining aggressive mobilization protocols initiating early dependency have led to earlier ambulation and discharge, with no change in flap survival as compared with conservative protocols. (4) Weight bearing may begin after the completion of dangle protocol if no orthopedic injury is present. Conclusions Early initiation of a dangle protocol does not appear to negatively impact flap survival based on this systematic review. Compressive wrapping may be a useful adjunct. Many surgeons agree that clinical monitoring is sufficient; there is no consensus on the utility of adjunct monitoring techniques. Weight bearing may begin after completion of dangle protocol with close flap monitoring, if not prevented by orthopedic restrictions. By providing additional outflow vasculature to reduce venous congestion, flow-through anastomoses may eliminate the need for a dangle protocol. Further research, including large randomized controlled trials is still needed to establish high-level evidence-based conclusions.


2019 ◽  
Vol 52 (01) ◽  
pp. 026-036 ◽  
Author(s):  
O-Wern Low ◽  
Sandeep J. Sebastin ◽  
Andre E. J. Cheah

AbstractLower extremity soft tissue defects frequently result from high-energy trauma or oncological resection. The lack of suitable muscle flap options for the distal leg and foot makes defects in these locations especially challenging to reconstruct and free tissue transfer is commonly used. Another option that has become more popular in the past two decades are pedicled perforator flaps. Based on a thorough literature review and the authors’ experience on leg perforator flaps for over a decade, this article presents a historical review, the anatomical basis of common perforator flaps of the leg and foot, patient selection, wound selection, perforator selection, flap design, surgical techniques, refinements, and postoperative care. A review of the clinical outcomes and complications of these flaps was also performed and was noted to be comparable to the outcomes of free tissue transfer with significantly lower total flap failure rate. It is hoped that this review will assist surgeons in the formulation of a comprehensive step-by-step guide in performing pedicled perforator flap reconstruction of the lower extremity.


2011 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 882
Author(s):  
E.J. Fitzgerald O’Connor ◽  
M. Vesely ◽  
P.J. Holt ◽  
K.G. Jones ◽  
M.M. Thompson ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 06 (01) ◽  
pp. e35-e39
Author(s):  
Chelsi Robertson ◽  
Charles Patterson ◽  
Hugo St. Hilaire ◽  
Frank H. Lau

Abstract Background Pressure ulcers (PUs) affect 2.5 million people in the United States annually and incur health-care costs of 11 billion dollars annually. Stage III/IV PU often require local flap reconstruction. Unfortunately, PU recurrence is common following reconstruction; recurrence rates as high as 82% have been reported. When local flap options are inadequate, free tissue transfer may be indicated but the indications have yet to be delineated. To develop evidence-based guidelines for the use of free flaps in PU reconstruction, we performed a systematic review. Methods A systematic review of the available English-language, peer-reviewed literature was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Scopus, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Articles were manually reviewed for relevance. Results Out of 272 articles identified, 10 articles were included in the final analysis. Overall, this systematic review suggests that free-flap PU reconstruction yields fewer recurrences compared with local flaps (0–20 vs. 13–82%). Further, several types of free flaps for PU reconstruction were identified in this review, along with their indications. Conclusion Free tissue transfer should be considered for recurrent PU. We offer specific recommendations for their use in PU reconstruction.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dina Idriss-Wheeler ◽  
Julia Hajjar ◽  
Sanni Yaya

Abstract Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a population health problem linked to a myriad of negative psychological, physical, emotional, sexual and reproductive health outcomes for women. The movement towards working with boys and men over the past couple of decades has increased the number of interventions specifically directed at men who perpetrate violence against a female partner. There is little evidence-based research on key characteristics of effective interventions directed at men to reduce or prevent IPV against female partners. The objective of this systematic review is to identify interventions specifically directed at males , as the perpetrators of violence against women, that have proven to be effective in preventing or reducing intimate partner violence. Methods The following electronic databases will be used to search for peer-reviewed studies: MEDLINE (OVID), Embase (OVID), PsycInfo (OVID), CINAHL (EBSCO), Global Health (EBSCO), Gender Watch (ProQuest), Web of Science (Web of Knowledge), PROSPERO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Database (Ovid) and SCOPUS. We will include randomized control trials, non-randomized studies of interventions published in peer-reviewed journals and relevant unpublished manuscripts, books/chapters and clinical or programme study reports. Studies have to demonstrate direction of effect (i.e. pre-post intervention/difference between groups) in terms of prevention or reduction in the outlined outcomes. Primary outcomes include change in behaviour and knowledge of male perpetrator regarding the impact of IPV on women as well as women’s experience of IPV. Secondary outcomes include change in behaviours around substance use and social activities, decrease in negative mental health outcomes and interactions with law enforcement. Studies will be screened, appraised and extracted by two reviewers; any conflicts will be resolved through discussion. Narrative synthesis will be used to analyse and present findings. If sufficient and comparable data is available, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Discussion This review will provide synthesized evidence on interventions directed at males to reduce or prevent their perpetration of intimate partner violence against female partners. Implications for practice will include key characteristics of interventions proven to be effective based on evidence synthesis and certainty of findings. Recommendations for further research will also be considered. Systematic review registration This protocol was submitted for registration in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on September 4, 2020.


Stroke ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Whaley ◽  
Wendy Dusenbury ◽  
Andrei V Alexandrov ◽  
Georgios Tsivgoulis ◽  
Anne W Alexandrov

Background: Recent nursing initiatives encourage early mobilization of neurocritical care patients, but whether this intervention can be safely generalized to acute stroke is debatable. We performed a systematic review of findings from recent studies to provide direction for patient management and future research. Methods: An exhaustive literature search was performed in Medline, SCOPUS and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify published clinical trial research using a very early mobility intervention (within 24 hours) in acute ischemic stroke patients. The primary efficacy outcome supporting the search was neurologic disability reduction or improved functional outcomes, and the primary safety outcome was neurologic deterioration. Studies were critically reviewed for inclusion by 3 separate investigators, findings were synthesized, and an overall recommendation for very early mobilization use in acute stroke was assigned according to GRADE criteria. Results: We initially identified 12 papers focused on early mobilization in acute stroke; of these, 6 observational studies were excluded, 1 study was excluded due to an ambiguous population, and 3 studies were excluded due to first initial mobilization out of bed occurring greater than 24 hours after admission. Two prospective randomized outcome blinded evaluation (PROBE) studies were retained, consisting of a total 2160 patients; ischemic stroke subtype was not disclosed in either study, limiting an understanding of the impact of very early mobilization on small versus large artery occlusion. Slower mobilization occurring beyond the first 24 hours was associated with higher rates of favorable outcome (mRS 0-2) at 90 days, whereas very early mobilization within the first 24 hours was associated with a number needed to harm of 25. Conclusions: In acute stroke, evidence supports a rested approach to care within the first 24 hours of hospitalization (GRADE: Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence). Similar to acute myocardial infarction, vascular insufficiency experienced in stroke likely warrants a more guarded approach to mobility. Additional studies exploring timing beyond 24 hours and dose of mobility interventions are warranted in discreet populations.


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