Design and clinical application of "exclamation mark" shaped pedicle flaps

Abstract

Objective To investigate effects of pedicle processing methods on the survival and appearance of the pedicle flaps. Methods The study involved 17 patients with soft tissue defects of extremities treated with the “exclamation mark” shaped pedicle flaps from October 2009 to January 2011.The traditional pedicled rotation flaps was designed to be a tennis racket-like shape,then the rotational pedicle was designed to small round tension reduction flap and pedicled rotation flaps,which contributed to formation of the “exclamation mark” shaped pedicle flaps.The soft tissue defects was located at the upper extremity in three patients and at lower extremity in 14,with defect areas of 4.0 cm× 7.2 cm-5.8 cm × 14.0 cm.There used two superficial radial nerve vasotrophic flaps,one ulnar artery supra-carpal cutaneous flap,eight sural neurocutaneous vasotrophic flaps and six saphenous nerve vasotrophic flaps.Results All flaps survived at Ⅰ stage except that one flap had partial distal necrosis postoperatively,which was cured after dress change.The follow-up ranged from six months to one year,which showed unobvious swelling of the survived flaps and good appearance of the rotation point of the pedicle. Conclusion The “ex(c)lamation mark” shaped pedicle flaps can reduce entrapment of the distal pedicle,promote venous drainage,improve survival and modify the appearance of the flaps. Key words: Soft tissue injuries; Surgical flaps; Tension reduction flap