Double-pedicle propeller flap for reconstruction of the foot and ankle: anatomical study and clinical applications

Objective Reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the foot and ankle remains challenging. This study was performed to investigate the technical points and clinical effects of a double-pedicle propeller flap for repair of foot and ankle soft tissue defects. Methods We used five fresh calf specimens to investigate the anatomical and operative aspects of a double-pedicle propeller flap. Eighteen patients with soft tissue defects in the foot and ankle subsequently underwent defect repair with double-pedicle propeller flaps. Results The anatomical study showed that the peroneal artery perforators and the sural nerve bundle (two blood supply systems) provided the theoretical anatomical basis for the double-pedicle propeller flap. The relative positions of the peroneal artery perforators and the sural nerve bundle differ according to the peroneal artery perforating level. Flap rotation in different directions can reduce or prevent the pedicles from compressing each other. All flaps survived, and three flaps developed local epidermal necrosis at the proximal end; these flaps healed after 1 to 2 weeks of dressing changes. The other 15 patients healed well. Conclusions The double-pedicle propeller flap can enhance the blood supply and venous return in the “big paddle” region of the flap, reducing the distal necrosis rate.

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Peroneal perforator pedicle propeller flap for lower leg soft tissue defect reconstruction: Clinical applications and treatment of venous congestion

Journal of International Medical Research ◽

10.1177/0300060516687229 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 45 (3) ◽

pp. 1074-1089 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Lifeng Shen ◽

Yiyang Liu ◽

Chun Zhang ◽

Qiaofeng Guo ◽

Wenhua Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Soft Tissue ◽

Donor Site ◽

Lower Leg ◽

Soft Tissue Defect ◽

Venous Congestion ◽

Peroneal Artery ◽

Soft Tissue Defects ◽

Propeller Flap ◽

Perforator Vessel ◽

Tissue Defects

Objective To describe the characteristics of the perforator vessel in the peroneal artery of the lower leg and to explore the use of perforator pedicle propeller flaps to repair soft tissue defects in the lower leg, heel and foot. Methods This retrospective study enrolled patients with soft tissue defects of the distal lower leg, heel and foot who underwent surgery using peroneal perforator-based propeller flaps. The peroneal artery perforators were identified preoperatively by colour duplex Doppler ultrasound. The flap was designed based on the preoperatively-identified perforator location, with the posterior border of the fibula employed as an axis, and the perforator vessel as the pivot point of rotation. Patients were followed-up to determine the outcomes. Results The study analysed 36 patients (mean age, 39.7 years). The majority of the soft tissue defects were on the heel (20; 55.6%). The donor-site of the flap was closed in 11 patients by direct suturing and skin grafting was undertaken in 25 patients. Postoperative complications included venous congestion (nine patients), which was managed with delayed wound coverage and bleeding therapy. All wounds were eventually cured and the flaps were cosmetically acceptable. Conclusions The peroneal perforator pedicle propeller flap is an appropriate choice to repair soft tissue defects of the distal limbs.

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Combined versus Single Perforator Propeller Flaps for Reconstruction of Large Soft Tissue Defects: A Retrospective Clinical Study

Journal of Personalized Medicine ◽

10.3390/jpm12010041 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 41

Author(s):

Amir K. Bigdeli ◽

Oliver Didzun ◽

Benjamin Thomas ◽

Leila Harhaus ◽

Emre Gazyakan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Soft Tissue ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Operation Time ◽

Soft Tissue Defects ◽

Reliable Technique ◽

Propeller Flap ◽

Major Complications ◽

Additional Surgery ◽

Retrospective Clinical Study ◽

Tissue Defects

Sufficient wound closure of large soft tissue defects remains a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. We aimed to investigate whether combined perforator propeller flaps (PPFs) are suitable to expand reconstructive options. Patients undergoing PPF reconstruction surgery between 2008 and 2021 were screened and evaluated retrospectively. Of 86 identified patients, 69 patients received one perforator propeller flap, while 17 patients underwent combined PPF reconstruction with multiple flaps. We chose major complications as our primary outcome and defined those as complications that required additional surgery. Postoperatively, 27 patients (31.4%) suffered major complications. The propeller flap size, the type of intervention as well as the operation time were not associated with a higher risk of major complications. A defect size larger than 100 cm2, however, was identified as a significant risk factor for major complications among single PPFs but not among combined PPFs (OR: 2.82, 95% CI: 1.01−8.36; p = 0.05 vs. OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.02−3.37; p = 0.32). In conclusion, combined PPFs proved to be a reliable technique and should be preferred over single PPFs in the reconstruction of large soft tissue defects at the trunk and proximal lower extremity.

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Treatment for Traumatic Skin and Soft Tissue Defects around the Foot and Ankle

Orthopedics & Traumatology ◽

10.5035/nishiseisai.61.261 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 61 (2) ◽

pp. 261-264

Author(s):

Sanshiro Inoue ◽

Kosei Miyazaki ◽

Naoshi Kikuchi ◽

Takashi Inokuchi ◽

Tomonori Nakanishi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Soft Tissue ◽

Foot And Ankle ◽

Soft Tissue Defects ◽

Tissue Defects

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Preliminary Experience with Perforator Flaps in Reconstruction of Soft-Tissue Defects of the Foot and Ankle

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/107110070502600302 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 191-197 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Frederick J. Duffy ◽

James W. Brodsky ◽

Christian T. Royer

Keyword(s):

Soft Tissue ◽

Donor Site ◽

Donor Site Morbidity ◽

Tissue Loss ◽

Soft Tissue Reconstruction ◽

Foot And Ankle ◽

Soft Tissue Defects ◽

Perforator Flaps ◽

Microsurgical Reconstruction ◽

Tissue Defects

Background: Microsurgical reconstruction has improved limb salvage in patients who because of many etiologies have soft-tissue loss from the lower extremities. Free-tissue transfer to the foot and ankle often interferes with postoperative function and footwear because of the bulk of a muscle flap. The foot and ankle often are best treated using thin flaps that will not contract and fibrose, particularly if secondary procedures are required. We hypothesized that perforator flaps, which are thin free-tissue transfers consisting of skin and subcutaneous tissue, both diminish donor site morbidity and are ideally suited for soft-tissue reconstruction of the foot and ankle. Methods: Ten patients had free- tissue transfers to the foot and ankle using perforator flaps during a 2-year period. Four had acute posttraumatic wounds, three had soft tissue defects with exposed hardware or bone graft after reconstructive surgery, and three had large soft-tissue defects after foot infection secondary to diabetes. Nine had reconstruction with anterolateral thigh perforator flaps and one had reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEP) perforator flap. Results: All flaps survived. There were no deep infections. Three flaps had minor tissue loss requiring subsequent small skin grafts, all of which healed. There were no donor site complications and no interference of muscle function at the donor sites. Custom shoewear was not required to accommodate the flaps. Conclusion: This series highlights the success and utility of perforator flaps in microsurgical reconstruction of the foot and ankle. The greatest advantage of perforator flaps is the diminished donor site morbidity, which was achieved while maintaining high microsurgical success rates. These skin and fat flaps remained pliable and contracted less than muscle flaps, allowing for smooth tendon gliding and easy flap elevation for secondary orthopaedic procedures.

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