scholarly journals Adipofascial perforator flaps: Its role in reconstruction of soft-tissue defects of lower leg and ankle

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (02) ◽  
pp. 216-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepak Nanda ◽  
Shamendra Anand Sahu ◽  
Durga Karki ◽  
Sanjay Kumar ◽  
Amrita Mandal

ABSTRACT Background: Despite advances in surgical skills, adipofascial flaps are still less preferred option for coverage of leg defect. We evaluate the use of perforator-based adipofascial flap in small-to-medium-sized soft-tissue defects in the lower limb. Patients and Methods: After localisation of perforators along the major axial vessels in the lower limb using handheld Doppler, adipofascial flap based on the nearest best perforator of anterior tibial artery, posterior tibial artery and peroneal artery was raised to cover soft-tissue defect in 21 patients. The flap was transposed over the defect and covered by split-skin graft. Donor site was primarily closed. Flap complications, functional and aesthetic outcomes are noted in follow-up. Results: There was partial loss of flap in five patients. After debridement and dressings, split-skin grafting was done for four patients and one patient was managed with local flap. Scar over the flap was stable with no reports of recurrent ulceration or breakdown of wound in 6-month follow-up. Four of five patients reported adequate healing of the fractured bone. Average visual analogue score was 8.24/10 for appearance of donor site as evaluated by the patient. Conclusions: Perforator-based adipofascial flap is a good alternative for coverage of small-to-medium-sized soft-tissue defect of the leg, particularly over the malleolus and lower part of the leg. Use of adipofascial tissue and primary closure of the donor site causes minimal donor-site morbidity. Adipofascial perforator flap provides aesthetically superior recipient-site scar with satisfactory functional outcome.

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 1074-1089 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lifeng Shen ◽  
Yiyang Liu ◽  
Chun Zhang ◽  
Qiaofeng Guo ◽  
Wenhua Huang ◽  
...  

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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 2433
Author(s):  
Prakashkumar M. N. ◽  
Pramod T.

Background: Soft tissue defect management around the lower-third of the leg, ankle and dorsal feet with exposed tendons, bones and orthopaedic implants is a challenge faced by a majority of surgeons. A locally available, versatile, durable flap is the preferred option for coverage of such defects, in the absence of micro vascular surgery facility.Methods: This prospective study was conducted at Department of General Surgery, Kodagu Institute of medical sciences from March 2018 to May 2019, on 10 consecutive patients with soft tissue defects and exposed bones, tendons and joints of distal-third of leg and foot. We harvested moderate sized reverse sural artery flaps, to cover the defects. After perforator marking with Doppler, flap was planned in reverse, and procedure was performed. Factors like size of defect, flap size, width of pedicle, comorbid factors and complications following surgery were taken into account for the study.Results: A majority of flaps provided a good coverage for defects and graft was well taken in donor site in all cases. One patient had marginal flap necrosis who was elderly and diabetic, he was managed conservatively, another patient had distal flap venous congestion which settled by itself with conservative management.Conclusions: Reverse sural artery flap (RSAF) cover is versatile, reliable and safe procedure, which was efficiently used to treat patients with wounds of distal leg, and foot.


Author(s):  
Zhaobiao Luo ◽  
Zhonggen Dong ◽  
Jiangdong Ni ◽  
Jianwei Wei ◽  
Ping Peng ◽  
...  

Distally based peroneal artery perforator-plus fasciocutaneous (DPAPF) flaps are widely used to reconstruct soft tissue defects of the lower extremity. Treatment for soft tissue defect combined with chronic osteomyelitis in the lateral malleolus has rarely been reported. The aim of this study was to elaborate the superiority of the DPAPF flap and provide referential experience for using the DPAPF flap in this situation. Between June 2010 and December 2017, soft tissue defects in the setting of chronic osteomyelitis in the lateral malleolus were reconstructed with DPAPF flaps in 17 patients. After thorough debridement, the defect was repaired with the DPAPF flap, and patients subsequently followed an antibiotic regimen for 6 weeks. Follow-up periods for all patients were at least 24 months. The reconstruction outcomes and the satisfaction of the 17 patients were evaluated. Of the 17 flaps, 16 survived uneventfully, except one occurrence of partial necrosis. No infection occurred in the follow-up period. In the study, 17 patients except one were satisfied with flap appearance. All the patients were satisfied with the reconstruction outcomes. In a one-stage procedure, the use of DPAPF flaps is ideal for reconstructing soft tissue defects in the setting of chronic osteomyelitis in the lateral malleolus.


2020 ◽  
Vol 53 (01) ◽  
pp. 083-089 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. I. Nambi ◽  
T. K. Arudra Varanambigai

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study is to present the efficiency of the lateral supramalleolar flap which is a very useful and yet underutilized in the soft tissue reconstruction of the regions extending from the distal leg, ankle, and foot. Methods Over a period of 3 years, 20 flaps were used in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the region extending from the distal leg, ankle, and foot. The location of the defects, the etiology, possible alternative flaps, outcome, and the complications were studied and presented. Results The follow-up period of the cases was from 1 month to 18 months after surgery. Seventeen flaps survived and three were lost. All the three lost flaps were those used over the tendocalcaneal region. The lost flaps were later replaced with split skin graft after the wound was debrided and was later covered with granulation tissue. Conclusion The lateral supramalleolar flap is a very useful flap in the regional soft tissue reconstruction around the ankle except in the tendocalcaneal region.


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.


Author(s):  
Stephan Alois Steiner ◽  
Riccardo Schweizer ◽  
Holger Klein ◽  
Matthias Waldner ◽  
Pietro Giovanoli ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Pedicled perforator flaps have become a contemporary alternative to muscle flaps for soft tissue reconstruction as they have reduced donor site morbidity, avoid the need for microsurgical transfer, and are versatile and reliable. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap was first introduced as a free flap and has since gained popularity as a pedicled flap. Here we review our experience using pedicled ALT flaps for regional soft tissue reconstruction. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent loco-regional soft tissue reconstruction using pedicled ALT flaps between March 2014 and October 2018, with the goal of identifying potential applications of pedicled ALT flaps. The following aspects of each case were reviewed: patient demographics, defect location and size, comorbidities such as previous radiotherapy, flap details, clinical follow-up, and postoperative complications. Results Our analysis demonstrates the versatility of pedicled ALT flaps in a variety of indications to successfully cover large abdominal, perineal, and genital soft tissue defects. Depending on the patient’s needs to achieve more bulk or stability in the reconstruction, the ALT flap was individually tailored with underlying muscle or fascia. The average follow-up was 7 months (range: 3–13 months). Conclusions Pedicled ALT flaps are a valuable reconstructive option for soft tissue defects located within the pedicle’s range, from the lower abdomen to the perianal region. These flaps are usually raised from a non-irradiated donor site and are sufficient for covering extensive soft tissue defects. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the defect using pedicled ALT flaps allows for anatomical function and minor donor sites. Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.


2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-93
Author(s):  
Avijit Sarker ◽  
Kazi Nishat Ara Begum ◽  
Sajedur Reza Faruquee ◽  
Md Ayub Ali ◽  
Maruf Alam Chowdhury ◽  
...  

Introduction: Perforator propeller flap is a suitable option to cover soft tissue defects in the distal leg and ankle which preserves the main vascular arteries of the lower extremity and muscle function. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of perforator propeller flaps for coverage of soft tissue defects around the distal leg and ankle. Methods: This prospective study was donebetween December 2018 to November 2019in the Department of Burn & Plastic Surgery of National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation ( NITOR), Dhaka. Total 32 patients with small to medium sized soft tissue defect over distal leg and ankle underwent reconstruction with perforator propeller flaps. Sixteen patients had defect over tendo achilles area, 6 had defect over lateral malleolus,7 over medial malleolus and medial aspect of distal third leg and only 3 had defect in front of ankle. Average Flap length and width were 12.72 (+4.19) & 5.63 (+1.78) cm respectively. Flap rotation was measured 180 degrees in 84.37% of the cases. The propeller flaps were based on a single perforator and it was observed from the posterior tibial artery in 62.5% and peroneal artery in 37.5% of the cases. Results: 81.25% of the flaps completely survived. Total flap loss was observed in one case (3%) while partial flap loss occurred in 6.2% cases. Marginal flap necrosis and epidermolysis were observed in 6.2% and 3% cases respectively. Conclusions: Propeller flapshavereliable vascular pedicle as well as greater freedom in design and arc of rotation that extend the possibility ofreconstructing difficult wounds with local tissues and minimal donor-site morbidity. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2021; 39(2): 87-93


1994 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sin-Daw Lin ◽  
Chung-Sheng Lai ◽  
Chih-Kang Chou ◽  
Chin-Wei Tsai ◽  
Chin-Cheng Tsai

2020 ◽  
pp. 70-72
Author(s):  
Vishwamitra B Dayal ◽  
M. Senthil Kumaran ◽  
S Raja Sabapathy

Introduction: Major crush injury of elbow joint following trauma with extensive injury to skin & soft tissue, bone, tendon, nerves and vessels remains a challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. Purpose of this study is to nd out whether the size of the defect, type of ap used and the location of the soft tissue defect inuence the outcome of soft tissue reconstruction. Material and methods: A prospective study was performed in all patients with soft tissue defects around the elbow in need of ap cover at Ganga Medical Centre Coimbatore, Tamilnadu India from April 2014 to December 2015.Patients demographics, defect size, location, type of ap used, complications and long – term outcomes analysed. Patients Mayo elbow performance score and Likert scale score were recorded for analysis of functional and aesthetic outcome respectively. The Kruskal wallis test was used for statistical comparison. Results: Forty three aps were performed primarily for coverage in forty patients. Three patients required two primary aps for reconstruction. The aps used in our study included 14 local fasciocutaneous aps (32.5%); 20 pedicled aps both locoregional and distant (46.5%) and 9 2 2 Anterolateral thigh free aps (20.9%) The average defect size was 151 cm . For local fasciocutaneous ap the average defect size was 44.7cm , 2 2 2 2 2 (range, 4-120 cm ), distant pedicled ap was181 cm (range 24- 600 cm ) and for the ALT free ap was 252.2 cm (range 80-450 cm ). Conclusion: The defect size is the main determinant of the type of ap used and their outcomes.


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


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