Pedicled perforator flaps for leg reconstruction

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of perforator flaps for the reconstruction of an injured leg. Background Defects of the lower limb remain a health problem. Application of perforator flaps for reconstruction of these defects represents a very good option giving good coverage. Patients and methods This was a prospective study. It was performed at Menofia University Hospital and Shebin El-Kom Teaching Hospital during a period of 14 months from February 2017 to March 2018. The study was carried out on 20 patients with leg defects; six types of perforator flaps were used; seven patients were treated by posterior tibial artery perforator flap, seven patients by reversed sural perforator flap, two by peroneal artery perforator flap, two by lateral supramalleolar flap, one by anterior tibial artery perforator flap and one by medial sural artery perforator flap. Results The mean ± SD age of the patients was 36.85 ± 16.60 years. Of 20 patients, 15 (75%) were male individuals and five (25%) were female individuals. The mean ± SD area size of the defect was 43.90 ± 33.47 cm. Of 20 flaps, 14 (70%) flaps had no complications, four (20%) flaps were complicated by distal-end congestion, 18 (90%) flaps passed successfully, and two (10%) flaps were complicated by necrosis and failed to survive. Conclusion Perforator flaps represent an effective method for reconstruction of leg defects, giving good satisfactory, functional and aesthetic results, as leg defects were successfully covered and healed by using perforator flaps, giving normal function and shape of the leg.