Posterior Tibial Artery Perforator Research Articles

The Versatility of Perforator-Based Propeller Flap for Reconstruction of Distal Leg and Ankle Defects

Introduction. Soft tissue coverage of distal leg and ankle region represents a challenge and such defect usually requires a free flap. However, this may lead to considerable donor site morbidity, is time consuming, and needs facility of microsurgery. With the introduction of perforator flap, management of small- and medium-size defects of distal leg and ankle region is convenient, less time consuming, and with minimal donor site morbidity. When local perforator flap is designed as propeller and rotated to 180 degree, donor site is closed primarily and increases reach of flap, thus increasing versatility. Material and Methods. From June 2008 to May 2011, 20 patients were treated with perforator-based propeller flap for distal leg and ankle defects. Flap was based on single perforator of posterior tibial and peroneal artery rotated to 180 degrees. Defect size was from 4 cm × 3.5 cm to 7 cm × 5 cm. Results. One patient developed partial flap necrosis, which was managed with skin grafting. Two patients developed venous congestion, which subsided spontaneously without complications. Small wound dehiscence was present in one patient. Donor site was closed primarily in all patients. Rest of the flaps survived well with good aesthetic results. Conclusion. The perforator-based propeller flap for distal leg and ankle defects is a good option. This flap design is safe and reliable in achieving goals of reconstruction. The technique is convenient, less time consuming, and with minimal donor site morbidity. It provides aesthetically good result.

Free posterior tibial artery perforator flap for floor of mouth reconstruction: A case report

In this report, we present a case with floor of mouth squamous cell carcinoma who underwent wide excision of tumor, a marginal mandibulectomy and bilateral selective neck dissections. A 7 cm × 4 cm fasciocutaneous flap based on a posterior tibial artery perforator (PTAP) from the left posterior leg was harvested to reconstruct a floor of the mouth defect. The donor-site defect was closed primarily. The flap survived in its entirety. No donor or recipient site complications occurred. The patient tolerated a regular diet at 3-month follow-up with normal speech and leg function. To our knowledge, there has been no previous report on the use of the PTAP flap for floor of mouth reconstruction. Our experience has shown the PTAP flap could be one of options for small defects.

Improving the Reliability of the Distally Based Posterior Tibial Artery Adipofascial Flap With the Great Saphenous Venoneural Network

The distally based posterior tibial adipofascial flap is a useful option for distal leg and ankle coverage. Traditionally, its dimension is constrained by a length-to-width ratio of 2:1. We have increased this ratio to 4:1 by including the great saphenous vein and saphenous nerve with the flap. These structures with their venoneural network, and their connections with posterior tibial artery perforators, form the vascular axis of the flap. In our series of 21 flaps, 70% (n = 15) had ratios of 3:1 or higher. In remaining 30% (n = 6), the ratio was 2:1, as the defects were more proximal. Complications include one complete flap loss due to compression from tunneling and one superficial tip necrosis. Postoperatively, we performed wet-to-wet dressings, phlebotomy, and delayed skin grafting to optimize flap survival. Of 21 flaps, 20 were healthy after an average follow-up of 24 months.

Skin Perforator Flaps: An Algorithm for Leg Reconstruction

The local fasciocutaneous flap has the advantage of low donor site morbidity when used for the coverage of lower limb defects. However, flap reliability remains a major problem with its use. Perforator flaps are indicated for several clinical problems. The versatility of the perforator flap makes it ideal for the reconstruction of extremities. Between September 2007 and November 2010, 34 skin perforator flaps were raised in 33 cases. Flaps which were executed as peroneal artery flaps were 13, 0.16 flaps were raised as posterior tibial artery perforator flaps, and 5 flaps as medial sural medial gastrocnemius muscle perforator skin flap. A segmental perforator was dissected and retained. Thirty-two flaps survived completely and none exhibited venous compromise. In one patient, flap was lost completely and the other showed partial tip necrosis. Complicated flaps were responded to conservative treatment. Skin perforator flap represents a technical advancement over conventional lower limb skin flaps because of its improved vascularity. It provides the surgeon with additional reconstructive options in reconstruction of difficult areas and injuries of leg. Clinical judgment is essential to assess the potential vascular territory of the flap.

Repairing composite tissue defect of the hand by posterior tibial artery perforator bone (periosteum) flap

Objective To study the methods and effects of repairing composite tissue defects of the hand by transfering posterior tibial artery perforator bone(periosteum) flap.Methods Nine cases of traumatic bone and soft tissue defects in the hand underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) of the lower leg preoperatively.According to angiography results and the anatomical characteristics, the tibial nutrient artery or osteoseptocutaneous perforator vessel of the posterior tibial artery was selected as vascular pedicle to harvest tibial artery perforator bone (periosteum) flap.The osteocutaneous flap was transferrede to repair the bone and soft tissue defect in the hand.The volume of the harvested bone ranged from 1.5 cm× 0.6 cm× 0.4 cm to 3.5 cm×0.7 cm×0.5 cm.The area of the skin flap ranged from 4.0cm×3.5cm to 7.0cm×4.0cm.Results All the composite tissue flaps survived completely.Postoperative follow-up for 3 to 18 months revealed that the fracture line disappeared in 3 to 4 months and all fractures healed.According to the TAM system of joint function assessment/provisional upper limb function evaluation standard isled by the Chinese Hand Surgery Society,88.9% of the cases achieved satisfactory results.Conclusion Transfer of posterior tibial artery perforator bone (periosteum) flap is an ideal procedure to repair composite tissue defects of the hand.No major vessel of the donor site is sacrificed.The good size match between the vessels of the donor site and recipient site makes vascular anastomosis easy.Donor site morbidity is minor.Bone healing time is short. Key words: Wounds and injuries; Microsurgery; Complex tissue flap

Islanded Posterior Tibial Artery Perforator Flap for Lower Limb Reconstruction: Review of Lower Leg Anatomy

Sir: We read with great interest the recent article entitled “Lower Limb Reconstruction Using the Islanded Posterior Tibial Artery Perforator Flap,” by Dr. Mark Schaverien et al.1 We congratulate the authors on their article, which provides a review of the anatomy, their surgical technique, and indications for use of the posterior tibial artery perforator flap. This article prompted a lengthy discussion among plastic surgeons at our institution. However, our review of lower limb anatomy differs slightly from that described by the authors in this article. In 1997, the posterior tibial artery perforators and their fasciocutaneous territories were described by Whetzel et al.2 A number of studies have described the lower limb arterial supply, including the anterior tibial, peroneal, sural, and posterior tibial artery perforators. Schaverien and Saint-Cyr published a detailed anatomical study of the lower extremity perforators using arteriovenous latex cure and cadaver dissection in 1998.3 In this article, the authors describe the posterior tibial artery perforators as “arising from within the intermuscular septum between the soleus and the flexor hallucis longus.” According to our review of the above studies and anatomy textbooks, the posterior tibial artery traverses the deep posterior compartment of the lower leg. The posterior tibial artery perforators and their two associated venae comitantes pass through two intermuscular septae: between the soleus and flexor digitorum longus; and the medial aspect of the tibia and the flexor digitorum longus (not the flexor hallucis longus, which lies lateral to the posterior tibial artery).2–5 The islanded posterior tibial artery perforator flap does seem to be a reliable, versatile fasciocutaneous flap for use in reconstruction of lower limb soft-tissue defects. However, as with any flap, it is vital to have accurate knowledge of the vascular and musculoskeletal anatomy of the flap and surrounding tissue before proceeding with such an endeavor. In addition, it would be interesting to determine whether there are any differences in complication rates based on the location of injury (e.g., lower leg, ankle, heel). Megan C. Jack, M.D. Martin I. Newman, M.D. Department of Plastic Surgery Cleveland Clinic Florida Weston, Fla. Yoav Barnavon, M.D. Hollywood Memorial Hospital Hollywood, Fla. DISCLOSURE The authors have no financial interests with respect to the content of this communication or the article being discussed.

Reply: Islanded Posterior Tibial Artery Perforator Flap for Lower Limb Reconstruction: Review of Lower Leg Anatomy

Reply: Islanded Posterior Tibial Artery Perforator Flap for Lower Limb Reconstruction: Review of Lower Leg Anatomy

Distal posterior tibial artery perforator flaps for the management of calcaneal and Achilles tendon injuries in diabetic and non-diabetic patients

Management of Achilles tendon and heel area defects is a common challenge for the reconstructive surgeon due to the lack of soft tissue availability in that region. In this article, we present our experience in covering these defects by using the distal perforator propeller flaps based on the posterior tibial artery. Perforator flaps are based on cutaneous, small diameter vessels that originate from a main pedicle and perforate the fascia or muscle to reach the skin. Their development has followed the understanding of the blood supply from a source artery to the skin. Six patients (five males and one female) underwent reconstruction by using the posterior tibial artery distal perforator flap for covering defects in the distal Achilles tendon region in patients with and without diabetes mellitus. Postoperative complications included a hypertrophic scar formation in one patient, partial marginal flap necrosis in another patient, and a wound infection in a third patient. All wounds were eventually healed by the last postoperative visit. In conclusion, perforator flaps based on the distal posterior tibial artery may be a reliable option for the coverage of small to moderate size defects of the Achilles tendon and heel area regions.

Repair of Soft-Tissue Defect Close to the Distal Perforating Artery Using the Modified Distally Based Medial Fasciocutaneous Flap in the Distal Lower Leg

In this study, we modified distally based posterior tibial artery perforator flaps for repair of soft-tissue defects close to the distal perforating artery in the distal lower leg. The flap was designed along the axial network around the saphenous nerve. Flap transfer was performed in 45 cases. The size of the defects after debridement ranged from 4 × 3 cm to 20 × 8 cm (mean, 13 × 5.5 cm). Flap size ranged from 9 × 3 cm to 25 × 10 cm (mean, 16 × 7 cm). In this series, 41 flaps survived completely. Venous congestion was not observed. At a mean follow-up of 16.5 months, all flaps matched the recipient sites in color, texture, and thickness. Donor site morbidity was minimal. The modified distally based posterior tibial artery perforator flap is a reliable and useful option for coverage of the soft-tissue defect close to the distal perforating artery in the distal lower leg.

Transplantation of perforator flaps: Systematic review of 108 case series

Objective To explore the clinical outcome of perforator flaps for reconstruction of limb soft tissue defects. Methods In this case series, from 2007 July to 2009 May, 108 cases of perforator flap to reconstruct the defects of the extremities were performed, of these, 98 were free perforator flaps, 10 were pedicled flaps. The perforator flaps included deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap, anterolateral thigh perforator flap, thoracodorsal artery perforator flap, lateral thigh perforator flap, posterior interosseous artery perforator flap, collateral radial artery perforator flap, medial sural artery perforator flap, posterior tibial artery perforator flap, deep circumflex iliac artery perforator flap and peroneal artery perforator flap. The maximum size of the perforator flap was 44 cmx 9 cm, the minimum size of the perforator flap was 4 em x 2 cm.The donor defect was closed directly. Results Venous congestion occurred in 5 flaps, in 1 case venous congestion was overcomed after released the dressing, 4 flaps requiring reexploration for venous insufficiency,2 had a successful outcome, the other 2 flaps failed . The other 103 flaps were successful. The wounds healed without any infection complications. The follow-up ranges from 6-24 months( 10 months on average). The flaps were of good appearance and not bulky; there were only linear scars on the donor sites, the cosmesis and function of the donor sites were satisfying. Conclusion The muscle, deep fascia and motor nerve are not contained in the flap, the advantages of this type of flap is reducing morbidity of the donor site and its reliable blood supply and suitable thickness for resurfacing, no secondary debuiking is necessary. The perforator flaps can be chosen as the first option to deal with superficial extremity wounds. Key words: Perforator flaps; Limbs; Transplantation; Reconstruction ; Mierosurgery

Lower Limb Reconstruction Using the Islanded Posterior Tibial Artery Perforator Flap

The islanded propeller-design posterior tibial artery perforator flap is a versatile local reconstructive option for defects of the lower leg, ankle, heel, and foot. A retrospective review of patients undergoing this procedure from 1989 to 2009 was performed. Case note analysis was performed to determine demographic and perioperative factors, and complications and outcomes. One-hundred six flaps were islanded on a single perforator from the posterior tibial artery in 100 patients (six bilateral). Seventy-two percent of defects were at the lower third of the leg, and 10 percent were at the ankle, heel, or foot. The median angle of rotation about the perforator was 160 degrees (range, 60 to 180 degrees). Eighty-eight percent of flaps had associated fractures, 60 percent were managed using intramedullary nailing, and 44 percent were Gustilo grade IIIb fractures. Five percent of patients subsequently developed osteomyelitis, and the primary nonunion rate was 9 percent. There was an 8.5 percent complete and 12 percent partial flap failure rate, both associated with cigarette smoking, diabetes, and peripheral vascular disease. Limb salvage for complete flap failures included free muscle flap transfer in six cases and below-knee amputation in three cases. The islanded propeller-design posterior tibial artery perforator flap provides reliable coverage of lower limb defects, particularly of the lower third.

“On Demand” Posterior Tibial Artery Perforator Flaps

Relatively small soft-tissue defects of the lower leg following tumor excision are usually treated, especially in older patients, by split-thickness skin grafting. On specific sites where periosteum or paratenon is exposed, as well as when a skin graft is best avoided for cosmetic reasons, an excellent alternative option is the use of posterior tibial artery perforator flaps.Such flaps are designed and elevated "on demand," ie, according to the defect location and on whichever perforator is best found suited to supply the flap and allow adequate transposition.However, operative time is longer, and the surgeon needs to be judicious in dissection, as well as versatile in choosing the best flap design after identifying a suitable perforator.Between 2003 and 2008, 24 patients underwent this procedure, with uniformly successful result except for 2 partial flap necrosis.The advantages of posterior tibial artery perforator flaps are a quick and usually safe procedure, which provides good contour with excellent color, texture, and thickness match, with long-term stability of the reconstruction at the expense of minimal donor-site morbidity.

Fasciocutaneous flaps of the lower leg: Anatomic study and clinical significance

Soft tissue defects of the lower leg, especially in its distal third, still remain a challenging problem in reconstructive surgery. The aim of this study was to examine septocutaneous system of lower leg vascularization, quantitatively and qualitatively, which is the basis of fasciocutaneous and neurocutaneous flaps. Septocutaneous systems a. tibialis posterior and a. peroneae were examined by anatomical suprafascial lower leg microdissection of 40 fresh cadavers. Septocutaneous perforators located intermusculary, in deep crural fascia duplicature, were followed from its origin (at main arterial trunks of the lower leg) till the point they reach the deep crural fascia. The number and localization of emergence of the septocutaneous perforators were examined for both above mentioned arterial trunks, and the obtained data were documented by photographs, tables and graphics. Statistical analysis (especially cluster analysis), was used for establishing reliable septocutaneous perforators levels. Septocutaneous perforator systems of the lower leg have constant and reliable pattern of existance. Lower leg length was 36 cm in average, (between 33 and 43 cm). Lower leg was divided in 10 equal segments, 3.6 cm each. A. tibialis posterior and a. peronea had 5 septocutaneous perforators. Cluster analysis of a. tibialis posterior perforators (with diameter > or = 0.5 mm), discovered 5 reliable levels of septocutaneous perforators. These levels are at 3.6-10.8 cm; 14.4--21.6 cm and 25.2-28.8 cm. For a. peronea reliable perforators were found at 3.6-10.8 cm, 14.4--18 cm and 21.6-25.2 cm. Posterior tibial artery perforators had the greatest diameter (from 0.5-1.8 mm; mean value 1.14 mm and SD = 0.26 mm). A mean diameter for peroneal artery perforators was 0.9 mm. Conclusion. Existance of reliable levels of septocutaneous perforators of the lower leg enables and makes reconstruction of the soft tissue defects of the lower leg, especially its distal third and foot, much easier.

Repair skin and soft tissue defects in heel with converse flaps based perforator of posterior tibial artery

Objective To introduce a new converse flap based perforator of posterior tibial artery to repair skin and soft tissue defects in heel. Methods Seven cases with skin and soft tissue defects in heel had been repaired by the flap based perforator of posterior tibial artery, located and signed it by color doppler flow imaging(CDFI) before operation, then designed the converse flap based above perforator sign from January 2007 to March 2008. Results All flaps were survived completely and the wounds got primary closure in 7 cases, the flaps were not overstaffed, their shape, texture and color were similar to normal, all of the 7 cases were evaluated as satisfactory after 3 months to 6 months follow-up. Conclusion The converse flap based perforator of posterior tibial artery is one of ideal flaps for repairing skin and soft tissue defects in heel because it doesn't sacrifice deep fascia and posterior tibial artery, doesn't need to make thin by the second operation and can prevent press and overstaff of the flap's pedicel. Key words: Heel; Posterior tihial artery; Perforator flap; Microsurgery

The Posterior Tibial Artery Perforator Flap: An Alternative to Free-Flap Closure in the Comorbid Patient

Wounds of the distal third of the leg with exposed bone traditionally require free flaps for coverage. Although this often provides good results, patients with multiple comorbidities cannot undergo the long operating times and multiple surgical sites required for these complex procedures. We reviewed the use of posterior tibial (PT) perforator flaps as an alternative to free flaps for distal leg wound coverage in ill patients. Six patients (mean age, 53 years) with multiple comorbidities that precluded free-flap closures were treated with PT perforator flaps to cover complex distal leg wounds. The most common comorbidity was cardiac disease. Five patients had Gustilo grade IIIB open tibial fractures and one had a chronic wound. Mean flap size was 8x5.5 cm with a mean of one perforator per flap. Mean operating room time was 103 minutes. Four flaps were done without general anesthesia. There were no perioperative cardiopulmonary events. With a mean follow-up of 15 months, all flaps survived and all patients were ambulatory. There were no cases of malunion, nonunion, infection, wound breakdown, or partial flap loss. The PT perforator flap is a reliable choice for patients with open leg wounds and comorbidities precluding free-flap closure.

Reconstruction of limb soft-tissue defects: using pedicle perforator flaps with preservation of major vessels, a report of 45 cases

We report on 45 pedicle perforator flaps without harvesting major vessels in limb reconstruction. Of our patients, 25 had major vessel injury resulting from their initial injury. In the upper extremities, there were 13 posterior interosseous artery perforator flaps, four ulnar artery perforator flaps and three radial artery perforator flaps. In the lower extremities, there were 16 peroneal artery perforator flaps with an axis on the sural nerve, five peroneal artery perforator flaps with an axis on the superficial peroneal nerve and four posterior tibial artery perforator flaps with an axis on the saphenous nerve. There were 42 successes, one total flap loss, one epidermal necrolysis and one distal tip necrosis. Greater utilisation of pedicle perforator flaps probably will occur because they are technically simple to execute, violate only the involved extremity, do not sacrifice a major source vessel, bring similar local tissues into a defect, avoid prolonged immobilisation and do not require microsurgical expertise. The concept of the pedicle perforator flap can be applied to the same axis of a neurocutaneous flap, even in cases with injured cutaneous nerves.

Design and application of tension skin flap of the pedicle of distally based skin flap or reverse-flow island flap

Objective To explore the feasibility and clinical resuhs of the tension skin flap of the pedicle of distally based skin flap or reverse-flow island flap. Methods Nine cases were repaired using reversed island flap pedicled with cutaneous branches of medial supramalleolar of posterior tibial artery in clinic,2 cases using distally based skin flap pedicled with the medial perforator of the posterior tibial artery,8 cases using reversalisland flap of peroneal artery lateral mulleolus skin perfarator 4 cases using reversed island flap pedicled with superficial peroneal nerve and its nutrient vessels. 3 cases using distally based sural neurocutaneous flap,and 2 cases using reversed island flap pedicled with dorsal fascia of hand.The area of the tension flap was 1.0 cm×1.0 cm to 5.0 am×3.5 cm. Results All the flaps completely survived.On the postoperative years follow-up,the texture of the flap was excellent,and primary healing was obtained at the donor site. Conclusion It's effective to design at the pedicle of the distally based flap or reversed island flap a tension skin flap,which can prevent the vessels from compressing or destroying. Key words: Surgical skin flap; Transplantation; Tension skin flap; Microsurgery

Distally Based Adipofascial Flaps for Dorsal Foot and Ankle Soft Tissue Defects

Soft tissue defects of the dorsal foot and ankle are difficult to reconstruct because the contour of the foot must be maintained for shoe fitting. The adipofascial flap, covered with a skin graft, is a suitable method of reconstruction that fulfills this important requirement. Twelve patients with soft tissue defects of the dorsal foot and at the ankle were treated in our unit with this method. Ten (83%) were children, 2 (17%) were adults. All defects were due to road traffic accidents. Three (25%) patients were women; 9 (75%) were men. The right foot was affected in 10 (83.4%) patients, with 2 (16.6%) patients having the left foot involved. The flaps used were the peroneal artery perforator flap (distally based lateral adipofascial flap) in 9 (75%) patients, the superficial sural artery flap in 2 patients (17%), and the posterior tibial artery perforator flap (distally based medial adipofascial flap) in 1 patient (8%). All flaps were successful, providing adequate contour of the foot for wearing ordinary shoes. There were 2 partial skin graft necroses, and, in 1 patient, the tips of the donor site skin flaps were necrosed. In conclusion, the distally based adipofascial flap, covered with skin graft, is a suitable method for reconstruction of soft tissue loss of the dorsal foot and ankle and provides optimum functional and aesthetic outcome with minimum donor site morbidity.

Soft-tissue reconstruction after meningococcal septicemia using a posterior tibial artery perforator flap in a 6-year-old boy

Fulminant meningococcemia can have life-threatening as well as limb-threatening complications. However, unlike other types of peripheral gangrene, areas of necrosis do not follow known anatomic vascular patterns. Instead, irregular and patchy areas of necrosis are found to exist adjacent to viable tissues. With improved critical care, more patients survive the initial insult and are referred for reconstructive procedures. In this case, a 6-year boy was diagnosed with meningococcemia-induced purpura fulminans. After stabilization, he was transferred to our facility for management of open wounds of both lower extremities and the left elbow. Soft-tissue coverage was accomplished after multiple debridements using various flaps. In particular, a defect of the right midtibia was reconstructed using a posterior tibial artery perforator-based flap with excellent results. This is the first time such a flap has been reported in association with meningococcemia in a patient of this age.

The Medial Adiposofascial Flap of the Leg: Anatomical Basis and Clinical Applications

Despite recent advances in microsurgical techniques, coverage of lower leg defects by locoregional flaps remains indicated in selected cases. The interest in these types of flaps has improved because recent clinical work advocates that fascial and fasciocutaneous flaps can be well indicated for bone coverage. The anatomical study of the medial adiposofascial flap is presented in this article. The flap is based on the rich vascular network supplied by the saphenous artery and the posterior tibial artery perforators. This flap can be harvested on the anteromedial aspect of the leg and can be mobilized to cover defects located between the patella and the heel. This multiple blood supply makes it possible to harvest this flap in various ways, so various defects can be covered. To confirm and prove the versatility and clinical value of this flap, the authors have studied a series of 22 cases in which this flap was used for coverage of lower leg defects. For these defects, especially when situated in the lower third or around the heel and ankle, coverage by a free flap is most often the only proposed solution. However, the authors have obtained excellent results in the majority of these cases, avoiding a free flap procedure. Moreover, in this way, the option of using a free flap remains possible if needed. There is minimal donor-site morbidity and a high functional and aesthetic outcome, making this flap a first-choice flap in selected cases of lower leg defects.