J Korean Soc Microsurg.  2012 Nov;21(2):111-117.

Perforator-Based Propeller Flap for Lower Extremity Reconstruction

• Huh SW
• Bae JH
• Song JH
• Lee JY

Abstract

PURPOSE
To report the clinical results of the perforated-based propeller flap for lower extremity soft tissue reconstruction.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Between January 2010 and June 2012, a total of 16 defects in the lower extremities were covered with perforator-based propeller flaps. Retrospective data for location and size of the defect, flap dimension, pedicle artery, pedicle rotation, complications were obtained.
RESULTS
Peroneal artery-based perforator flap were used in eleven cases, posterior tibial artery-based perforator flap in two cases, anterior tibial artery-based perforator flap in one case and medial plantar artery-based perforator flap in two cases. The average size of the flaps was 63 cm2. The marginal skin necrosis of the flaps as a complication was developed in two cases, one of which was covered with split-thickness skin graft. There were no functional deficits from the donor site.
CONCLUSION
For the reconstruction of lower extremities, the perforator-based propeller flap could be a reasonable alternative as it is a simple, safe and versatile technique.

Keyword

Lower extremity reconstruction; Perforator flap; Propeller flap

MeSH Terms

Arteries
Humans
Lower Extremity
Necrosis
Perforator Flap
Retrospective Studies
Skin
Tissue Donors
Transplants