Perforator-based Propeller Flap Research Articles

Clinical outcomes of perforator-based propeller flaps versus free flaps in soft tissue reconstruction for lower leg and foot trauma: a retrospective single-centre comparative study.

The efficacy and safety of perforator-based propeller flaps (PPF) versus free flaps (FF) in traumatic lower leg and foot reconstructions are debated. PPFs are perceived as simpler due to advantages like avoiding microsurgery, but concerns about complications, such as flap congestion and necrosis, persist. This study aimed to compare outcomes of PPF and FF in trauma-related distal lower extremity soft tissue reconstruction. We retrospectively studied 38 flaps in 33 patients who underwent lower leg and foot soft tissue reconstruction due to trauma at our hospital from 2015 until 2022. Flap-related outcomes and complications were compared between the PPF group (18 flaps in 15 patients) and the FF group (20 flaps in 18 patients). These included complete and partial flap necrosis, venous congestion, delayed osteomyelitis, and the coverage failure rate, defined as the need for secondary flaps due to flap necrosis. The coverage failure rate was 22% in the PPF group and 5% in the FF group, with complete necrosis observed in 11% of the PPF group and 5% of the FF group, and partial necrosis in 39% of the PPF group and 10% of the FF group, indicating no significant difference between the two groups. However, venous congestion was significantly higher in 72% of the PPF group compared to 10% of the FF group. Four PPFs and one FF required FF reconstruction due to implant/fracture exposure from necrosis. Additionally, four PPFs developed delayed osteomyelitis post-healing, requiring reconstruction using free vascularized bone graft in three out of four cases. Flap necrosis in traumatic lower-leg defects can lead to reconstructive failure, exposing implants or fractures and potentially causing catastrophic outcomes like osteomyelitis, jeopardizing limb salvage. Surgeons should be cautious about deeming PPFs as straightforward and microsurgery-free procedures, given the increased complication rates compared to FFs in traumatic reconstruction. The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Immediate Soft Tissue Reconstruction in Lower Limb Traumas Using Propeller Perforator Flaps.

Open bone fractures represent a demanding clinical condition that can be life- or limb-threatening. For small- to medium-size soft tissue defects of the lower extremity, propeller perforator flaps are a viable option for reconstruction. We report our experience in Gustilo IIIB open fractures treatment with immediate coverage through propeller-based perforator flaps performed in acute setting. Between 2019 and 2022, 94 Gustilo III fractures were admitted to our trauma center, and 28 were Gustilo IIIB fractures. Five patients were eligible for an immediate perforator-based propeller flaps reconstruction. The mean age of the patients was 33.8 years. All of them were male. One of them was a heavy smoker (15 cigarettes per day). No other comorbidities were present. The mean operating time, including fracture reduction and fixation time, was 106 minutes. The length of the defect varied between 5 and 7 cm and the width between 3 and 4 cm. We reported no major complications, and none of the patients required a surgical revision of the flap. A patient with smoking habit reported a superficial flap necrosis. The mean follow-up was 5.5 months. No cases of nonunion or osteomyelitis have developed so far. The use of perforator-based propeller flaps, in acute trauma setting, has not been reported in literature so far. In our experience, propeller perforator flaps are a viable reconstructive option in immediate reconstruction during the acute management of open fractures.

The outcomes of peroneal artery perforator-based propeller flaps for the treatment of infected lateral malleolar bursitis

Purpose: Infected malleolar bursitis sometimes requires multiple debridements, followed by soft tissue reconstruction with a flap. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with infected lateral malleolar bursitis who were treated using peroneal artery perforator-based propeller flaps. Methods: We retrospectively included 10 patients who underwent reconstruction of the lateral malleolus with a peroneal artery perforator-based propeller flap due to infected lateral malleolar bursitis between 2014 and 2022. Results: The average follow-up time was 77.2 weeks. Six patients experienced complete healing; three developed partial flap necrosis, and one had a long-lasting seroma. All patients with complications had long-term diabetes. Conclusion: Partial flap necrosis in patients with diabetes may occur because of impaired microcirculation. A peroneal artery perforator-based propeller flap could be useful for soft tissue reconstruction in select patients without diabetes or in patients with diabetes who have infected lateral malleolar bursitis.

Perforator-Based Propeller Flap with Additional Venous Pedicle for Lower Limb Reconstruction.

Propeller flaps are effective reconstructive tools for small-to-medium sized defects of the lower limb and a reasonable alternative to free flaps. A major vessel of the lower limb remains undisturbed while raising the flap and the flap donor and recipient areas are addressed in the same operative field. Perforator-based propeller flaps are based on single perforator arising from a major vessel and during rotation of the larger paddle there is a possibility of kink in the venous component leading to congestion of flap. In our modification, one superficial vein of the lower limb namely the great saphenous or short saphenous vein was included in the flap territory to enhance the retrograde or antegrade venous drainage of the flap. We observed, no flap congestion or necrosis in the postoperative period. Also, the patency of the incorporated vein was confirmed using handheld and color Doppler.

VERSATILITY OF PERFORATOR-BASED PROPELLER FLAP IN RECONSTRUCTION OF VOLAR ASPECT OF DISTAL FOREARM, DISTAL LEG & ANKLE DEFECTS - A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS

Background: The use of regional flaps based on perforator arteries is generating more interest in limb reconstruction surgery. The surgical approach allows for the restoration of soft tissue lesions using neighboring homologous tissues without the need for microvascular anastomosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical results of local perforator flaps in the treatment of complex lower limb and upper limb defects. Materials and Methods:Fourteen patients (six upper limb and eight lower limb defects) underwent reconstruction using perforator-based flaps which were studied retrospectively during a three-year period. Donor sites were examined thoroughly and flaps selection was done using a handheld manual Doppler mapping preoperatively, to locate the perforator vessels and their flow. Thereby, perforator-based propeller flaps were raised and used for defect coverage based on their maximum arc of rotation. Results:Postoperatively, all the flaps included in the study survived. Partial flap necrosis and venous congestion in the flap were reported in two patients following intervention. Donor site morbidity was minimal without any loss of function. Most of the patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome. Conclusion:Perforator flaps using hand held Doppler are the most yielding, simple and safe flaps for the Reconstructive Surgeons. The need for the complicated microsurgical procedures can be avoided with the use of such locoregional propeller flaps which providedbetter aesthetic results with minimal donor site morbidity.

Perfusion Changes in Perforator-Based Propeller Flaps

AbstractBackground To cover soft tissue defects, the perforator-based propeller flap offers the option to rotate healthy tissue into complex wounds. By rotating the flap, the perforator is torqued. As a result, perfusion changes are possible.Methods A retrospective data analysis of patients was done, who received a propeller flap to cover soft tissue defects of the lower extremity as well as a peri- and postoperative perfusion monitoring with a laser-Doppler-spectrophotometry system. Additionally, patient-specific data were collected.Results Seven patients were identified. Four patients experienced early complications, two epidermolysis of the distal flap areas, three wound healing disorders, and one partial flap necrosis. Intraoperative perfusion monitoring showed a decline of blood flow after incision of the flap, especially at distal flap site. In case of complications, there were prolonged blood flow declines up to the first postoperative day.Conclusion Torqueing the perforator by rotating the flap can cause an impairment in inflow and outflow. If the impairment is prolonged, perfusion-associated complications are possible. The identification of a viable perforator is particularly important. In addition, a conservative postoperative mobilization is necessary to compensate for the impaired and adapting outflow.

Application of the free-style brachial artery perforator based propellar flap in the management of axillary hidradenitis suppurativa.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory disease often requiring surgical intervention in extensive lesions. Total of seven axillary lesion with HS was treated with free-style perforator based propeller flaps (innominate perforator originating from the brachial artery) after complete excision. The flap design mimicked the axis and design of the brachioplasty surgery. The flaps were elevated and after obliterating the defect, the remnant flap was discarded and donor site was primarily closed. All flaps were performed successfully and HS did not recur in any of the patients. In addition, the operated limb also showed a reduction of arm circumference of more than 5cm. This is the first report using the free-style perforator based propeller flap to reconstruct the axillary HS. It is a simple and a reliable approach yielding good functional and aesthetic outcome with additional advantages of providing a brachioplasty.

Evaluation of outcomes after coverage of exposed tibia with propeller-based perforator flaps

Background: For small-and medium-sized soft-tissue defects in lower one third of leg without any degloving injury, the perforator propeller flaps are the authors preferred choice. With the study we shall present our experience with the use of three (tibio-peroneal system) perforator-based propeller flaps in the reconstruction of distal leg defects.Methods: A prospective study was conducted in the department of plastic and reconstructive surgery, over a period of 20 months from 1st January 2017 to 30th September 2018. All patients with small to large sized soft tissue defects affecting lower third of tibia were included in the study. Various findings were recorded and analyzed.Results: Among the affected areas that required coverage of soft tissues of the leg, in order of frequency, the middle third represented 15 cases (62.5%), and in the distal third 9 cases (37.5%). Flap dimensions ranged from 12 to 156 cm2, with an average size of 50 cm2. The flap rotation was 180 degrees in 19 cases (79.17%), 140 degrees in 3 cases (12.50%), and 160 degrees in 2 cases (8.33%). The flaps were based on a single perforating vessel of the posterior tibial artery in 12 cases (50%) of the cases; on the anterior tibial artery in 09 cases (37.5%), and in 3 cases (12.5%) the peroneal artery was chosen. Complications were present in 14% of the flaps.Conclusions: We concluded that the perforator-based propeller flaps are ideal in reconstructing small-medium defects of the middle and distal third of the leg.

Reconstruction of the Axilla by Perforator-Based Propeller Flap

Reconstruction of the Axilla by Perforator-Based Propeller Flap

Reconstruction of the axilla by perforator-based propeller flap

Reconstruction of the axilla by perforator-based propeller flap

First dorsal metacarpal artery perforator-based propeller flap: functional anatomy and clinical application in soft-tissue defects of the dorsal hand and digits.

Many approaches have been reported to repair soft-tissue defects of the hand using dorsal metacarpal artery flaps. Use of a perforator-based propeller flap from the first intermetacarpal space to the dorsum of the hand has been described. The aim of this study was to confirm the functional anatomy of a first dorsal metacarpal artery (FDMA) perforator flap. Twenty-nine fixed cadaveric hands were dissected to determine the origin, course, and branches of the FDMA. Clinically, five cases of soft tissue defects of the hand underwent reconstructive surgery using an FDMA perforator-based propeller flap. The FDMA was found in 27 specimens (93%). The ulnar branch of the FDMA always supplied the cutaneous perforator (mean ± SD, 4.3 ± 1.6), and the most distal cutaneous perforating branch was found along the metacarpal long axis within 25mm of the tip of the metacarpal head with high frequency (28/29, 97%). In the two hands that had aplasia of the FDMA, well-developed perforators arose directly from the radial artery and advanced to the metacarpal head. Seven hands (24%) had perforators arising from the palmar arterial system, penetrating through or passing close by the second metacarpal bone. In clinical application, all the flaps survived completely without major complications. The FDMA perforator-based propeller flap is minimally invasive and technically simple. It is expected to be a new option for hand reconstruction.

Simple syndactyly reconstruction with dorsal metacarpal artery perforator-based propeller flap

Simple syndactyly reconstruction with dorsal metacarpal artery perforator-based propeller flap

Reconstruction of Extensive Auricular Defects Using a Retroauricular Artery Perforator-Based Propeller Flap.

Various local techniques have been successfully used for the reconstruction of auricular defects. However, most local techniques are not suitable for extensive auricular defects. The aim of this study is to investigate the utility of a retroauricular artery perforator-based propeller flap for the reconstruction of extensive auricular defects by evaluating aesthetic outcomes using objective and quantitative parameters. Twenty-one patients with extensive full-thickness and partial-thickness defects were treated with retroauricular artery perforator-based propeller flaps harvested from the mastoid and neck regions. The surgical procedures were performed using single-stage reconstruction in postauricular partial-thickness defects and 2-stage reconstruction in full-thickness auricular defects. Levels of final satisfaction and tissue matching as well as donor scar perception were evaluated by the patients and objective observers. The original sizes and projections of the auricles were achieved. The color, texture, and thickness of the flaps matched well with the adjacent auricles. The vast majority of the patients and observers were very satisfied with the surgical outcome. Retroauricular artery perforator-based propeller flaps may preserve the size and projection in both partial- and full-thickness extensive defects of the auricle. With this procedure, there was also excellent matching of the color, texture, and thickness of the flap with the adjacent tissue, as well as acceptable levels of donor scarring, thereby achieving satisfactory aesthetic outcomes.

Perforator-based propeller flap for coverage of lower leg: Single centre experience.

This study was conducted to assess outcomes of propeller flaps for reconstruction of small- to medium-sized defects in the distal third of the leg. Of 53 lower third leg defects covered using the propeller flap, 43 survived without complications. Only minor complications were seen and no flap was lost completely. The propeller flap is thus a safe option for medium-sized defects of the lower leg.

The Effect of Botulinum Toxin on Flap Viability of the Posterior Thigh Perforator Flap in Rats

BackgroundThe use of perforator propeller flaps in lower limb reconstruction has increased recently. Many pharmacological agents are used to increase flap viability. Botulinum toxin has been used in various types of flaps in the literature. However, there is no study regarding the use of botulinum toxin in the lower limb propeller flaps. This study investigates the effect of botulinum toxin administration on flap survival for lower limb propeller flap in rats. Materials and methodsThe study included 20 male Wistar albino rats, divided into two groups with a flap rotation of 90° in group 1 and 180° in group 2. In both groups, botulinum toxin was administered to the right thigh and a physiological saline solution was applied to the left thigh. Five days later, flaps were elevated over the posterior aspect of the right and left thighs and inset after 90° and 180° rotation was performed. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, and necrosis area analyses were performed. ResultsNecrosis area, edema, polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration, and necrosis were found to be higher on the left side of the groups, whereas epidermal thickness, collagen density, vascularization, and hair root density were found to be higher on the right side of the groups. No significant difference was found between the right posterior thighs in either group on any parameter other than vascularization. Histopathologically and immunochemically statistically significant differences were found between the two groups. ConclusionsThe present study found that botulinum toxin increases flap viability in lower limb perforator-based propeller flaps.

Versatility of a Pedicled Reverse-flow Lateral Arm Flap and a Radial Collateral Artery Perforator-based Propeller Flap in the Treatment of Post-high-voltage Electrical Injury Around the Elbow Region

Versatility of a Pedicled Reverse-flow Lateral Arm Flap and a Radial Collateral Artery Perforator-based Propeller Flap in the Treatment of Post-high-voltage Electrical Injury Around the Elbow Region

Use of soleus musculocutaneous perforator-based propeller flap for lower extremity wound coverage after osteocutaneous fibula free flap harvest.

Osteocutaneous fibula free flap (OCFFF) donor sites are often covered with skin grafts, with an additional donor site, more postoperative care, and increased cost. The authors examine posterior tibial artery (PTA) based pedicled propeller flaps (PPF) as an alternative for OCFFF donor site coverage. Retrospective review of 16 consecutive patients from 30 to 79 years old, who underwent OCFFF reconstruction of head and neck defects (11 mandibular, 5 maxillary), with the closure of donor site with PPF based on a perforator from PTA. Mean donor site defect measured 12.9 × 5.1 cm, PPF was an elliptical design, and rotated 180 degrees in a propeller fashion, to cover donor site defect. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess esthetic results, functional outcomes assessed using mobility and range of motion (ROM), and secondary complications including infections, hematomas, and seromas were recorded. Follow-up period was noted in months postoperatively. Other information collected included underlying head and neck pathology. Average dimension of PPF measured 13.9 × 4.1 cm. Successful closure of donor site defects in 14 of 16 patients, with two flaps having partial necrosis, one requiring a secondary skin graft. Follow-up was 6 to 10 months, esthetic results with mean VAS 8.8 of 10, full ROM, and mobility noted. No secondary complications were observed. The most common pathology noted was squamous cell carcinoma (6 of 16 patients). PPFs based on the soleus branch of the PTA represent an excellent alternative to skin grafts for the closure of OCFFF donor site defects.

A Modified Supine Positioning Setup for Diabetic Foot Reconstruction with Peroneal Artery Perforator Based Propeller Flap: Technique Tips and Tricks

A Modified Supine Positioning Setup for Diabetic Foot Reconstruction with Peroneal Artery Perforator Based Propeller Flap: Technique Tips and Tricks

Improving Outcomes in Anterolateral Thigh Flap Donor-Site Reconstruction Using Propeller Flaps: A Retrospective Comparative Study with Skin Grafting.

After anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap harvesting, skin graft of the donor site is commonly performed. When the defect width exceeds 8 cm or 16% of thigh circumference, it can determine lower limb function impairment and poor aesthetic outcomes. In our comparative study, we assessed the functional and aesthetic outcomes related to ALT donor-site closure with split-thickness skin graft compared with thigh propeller flap. We enrolled 60 patients with ALT flap donor sites. We considered two groups of ALT donor-site reconstructions: graft group (30 patients) with split-thickness skin graft and flap group (30 patients) with local perforator-based propeller flap. We assessed for each patient the range of motion (ROM) at the hip and knee, tension, numbness, paresthesia, tactile sensitivity, and gait. Regarding the impact on daily life activities, patients completed the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) questionnaire. Patient satisfaction for aesthetic outcome was obtained with a 5-point Likert scale (from very poor to excellent). In the propeller flap group, the ROMs of hip and knee and the LEFS score were significantly higher. At 12-month follow-up, in the graft group, 23 patients reported tension, 19 numbness, 16 paresthesia, 22 reduction of tactile sensitivity, and 5 alteration of gait versus only 5 patients experienced paresthesia and 7 reduction of tactile sensitivity in the propeller flap group. The satisfaction for aesthetic outcome was significantly higher in the propeller flap group. In high-tension ALT donor-site closure, the propeller perforator flap should always be considered to avoid split-thickness skin graft with related functional and aesthetic poor results.

Study of the Effect of the Dissected Length and Diameter of Perforators and the Angle of Rotation on Blood Flow in the Radial Artery Perforator-Based Propeller Flaps

Background: Soft tissue defects in the hand can resultfrom a varietyof mechanisms including trauma, infection, andmalignant tumors. Propeller flaps have become an appealingoption for coverage of a large range of defects. The aim ofthis study is to determine the effect of dissected length of theperforator and its diameter and the angle of rotation or twistingof the flap on the blood flow in this chosen perforator andthe flap vascularity.Methods: Thirty cases of skin and soft tissue defects ofthe hand and wrist were reconstructed with a perforator-basedpropeller flap from the radial artery in the period from May2016 to November 2019. The age of patients ranged from 15to 60 years. The defects were on the dorsal or palmer aspectof the hand and wrist. We evaluated the viability of theflap,blood velocity and flow of the flap, survived area of theflap according to length and diameter of the chosen perforatorand the angle of rotation of the flap.