Perforator Propeller Flap Research Articles

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.

Perineal perforator switch flap for three-dimensional vulvovaginal reconstruction

Vulvovaginal reconstruction is challenging. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes of vulvovaginal reconstruction with "perineal perforator switch flap" (PPSF) and compared it with other conventional flaps. In addition, the long-term esthetic results were compared with the perineal perforator propeller flap (PPPF), which we previously used. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 16 patients (27 flaps) who underwent vulvovaginal reconstruction with PPSF. After tumor resection, perineal perforators close to the genitofemoral sulcus were identified. The flap was designed as an island with the perforator at the center. The flap was elevated while preserving the soft tissue surrounding the pedicle, and transferred to the defect via the subcutaneous tunnel without pedicle skeletonization. All flaps survived and no major surgical complications were observed. The total follow-up period was 16.13±3.38 months. The mean operation time was 79.38±19.65 min, and the initiation of walking and the length of hospitalization were 1.69 ± 0.79 and 5.69 ± 0.79 days, respectively. Perineal function was well preserved. Comparison of esthetic results with PPPF showed that PPSF showed better results in symmetrical and labial shape (2.29 ± 0.73 vs. 3.13 ± 0.81; p=0.015, 2.43 ± 1.02 vs. 3.25 ± 0.68; p=0.031, respectively), and in total score. (10.29 ± 2.16 vs. 12.31 ± 1.82; p=0.017). PPSF was technically simple and significantly reduced the duration of operation and the overall recovery time. PPSF also prevented delay in radiation. Therefore, PPSF is a promising method for vulvovaginal reconstruction.

Application of perforator propeller flap sequential transfer technique in repair of soft tissue defect of distal lower extremity

To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of perforator propeller flap sequential transfer technique in repair of soft tissue defect of distal lower extremity. Between July 2015 and July 2021, 10 patients with soft tissue defect of distal lower extremity were treated with perforator propeller flap sequential transfer technique. There were 8 males and 2 females, with a median age of 47 years (range, 6-71 years). The etiologies included malignant tumor in 5 cases, trauma in 3 cases, postburn scar contracture in 1 case, and diabetic foot ulcer in 1 case. The defects were located at the pretibial area in 1 case, the distal lower extremity and Achilles tendon in 3 cases, the dorsum of foot and lateral malleolar area in 4 cases, the heel in 1 case, and the plantar foot in 1 case. The size of the defect ranged from 5 cm×3 cm to 8 cm×8 cm. Peroneal artery perforator propellor flaps (the 1st flap) in size of 14 cm×4 cm to 29 cm×8 cm were used to repair the defects of distal lower extremity. The donor site defects were repaired with the other perforator propeller flaps (the 2nd flap) in size of 7 cm×3 cm to 19 cm×7 cm. The donor site of the 2nd flap was directly closed. All the operations were successfully completed and all of the 2nd flaps were elevated within 1 hour. Eight the 1st flaps survived completely; 2 had venous congestion. Among the 2 patients with venous congestion, 1 had necrosis of the distal end of the flap, and the secondary wound was repaired by skin grafting; 1 recovered spontaneously after 7 days. The 2nd flaps totally survived. No complication such as hematoma or infection occurred. Primary closure was achieved in all the recipient and donor sites. All patients were followed up 2-39 months，with a median of 15.5 months. The color, texture, and thickness of the flaps matched well with those of recipient sites. The normal contour of the leg was preserved. During follow-up, no recurrence of malignance or ulcer was observed. The scar contracture was completely released. All patients were satisfied with the reconstructive outcomes. The application of the perforator propeller flap sequential transfer technique can improve the repair ability of the lower extremity perforator propeller flap while ensuring the first-stage closure of the donor site, thereby improving the effectiveness.

Application of perforator propeller flap of lower limb in the treatment of foot and ankle defect in children

To investigate the effectiveness of perforator propeller flap of lower limb in the treatment of foot and ankle defect in children. The clinical data of 28 children with foot and ankle defect treated with perforator propeller flap of lower limb between January 2018 and January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 18 boys and 10 girls with an average age of 7.3 years (range, 6-14 years). There were 8 cases of traffic accident injury and 20 cases of chronic infection wound. The disease duration was 2-4 months, with an average of 2.8 months. After thorough debridement, the residual wound size ranged from 5 cm×4 cm to 9 cm×5 cm. Repairing was performed after 7-28 days of the infection in control. According to the location, size, and shape of the wound, the perforating vessels were located by ultrasonic Doppler, and the perforator propeller flap (area ranged from 6 cm×5 cm to 11 cm×6 cm) was designed and harvested to repair the wound. Flap transfer combined with free split-thickness skin graft covered the wound in 2 cases. The donor site was sutured directly (22 cases) or repaired with skin graft (6 cases). Twenty-six flaps survived, of which 20 cases were in primary healing, and 6 cases had epidermal necrosis at the end of small paddle, which healed after dressing change. Necrosis occurred in 2 cases due to venous crisis which healed after anterolateral femoral flap free transplantation. Primary wound healing was achieved in donor site. All 28 children were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 10.5 months). The texture, shape, and motor function of the lower limb was satisfactory. At last follow-up, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Association (AOFAS) score was 89.8±8.0, which was significantly different from the preoperative score (79.6±10.4) ( t=-11.205, P<0.001); 20 cases were excellent, 6 cases were good, and 2 cases were poor, and the excellent and good rate was 92.8%. The perforator propeller flap of lower limb in children has its own characteristics. It is a reliable method to repair the foot and ankle defect in children.

Perforator propeller flaps for lower extremity soft-tissue defect reconstruction: Shortening the learning curve

BackgroundThe perforator propeller flap is an advantageous option for soft tissue reconstruction in the lower limb as it ensures the preservation of the main artery and muscle, eliminates the need for microsurgical reconstruction as well as provides “like with like” resurfacing of the defects. Despite this, it remains a technically demanding reconstructive option for residents and surgeons with little experience in perforator dissection. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of our patients whose soft tissue defects were addressed with propeller flaps. MethodsA retrospective study of all propeller flap based reconstruction done on patients with soft tissue defects involving the distal third of the leg was undertaken from August 2018 to December 2020. Results28 patients were treated with propeller flaps for various lower extremity defects. The median defect size was 12 cm2. The posterior tibial artery (PTA) was used in eleven cases (39.3%) and the peroneal artery (PA) in seventeen of the cases (60.7%). The complication rate was 28.6% (n = 8). The complete flap necrosis rate was 10.7% (n = 3) and partial flap necrosis rate was 7.1% (n = 2), The rate of venous congestion was 7.1% (n = 2) and wound dehiscence occurred in 3.5% (n = 1). There was a significant negative correlation between the number of cases performed by a resident and the operative time. ConclusionAlthough propeller flaps are a reliable option to address lower extremity defects, they have a long learning curve and require a good amount of experience and perforator dissection skills to reduce the probability of flap failure. We are of the opinion that residents should be adequately trained in this procedure to ensure optimal outcome delivery.

Prospective study of propellar flaps vs. traditional local flaps in lower limb trauma reconstruction

Background: Adequate coverage of traumatic complex lower extremity wounds is often challenging for reconstructive surgeons. Propeller perforator flaps have gained wide acceptance as an alternative in soft tissue coverage of complex lower extremity defects over the last decade. We report our experience with distal lower extremity reconstructions performed either with traditional local flaps vs. propeller perforator flaps. our aim here was to compare non-microvascular flaps with traditional local flaps for coverage of traumatic lower extremity wounds.Methods: 30 patients operated for lower extremity defects and reconstructed either with traditional local flaps or propeller perforator flaps between November 2016 to December 2020 were included in the study.Results: There were 22 male and 8 female patients. Mean age was 43.00±14.85 (range: 24 to 66 years) in the local flap group and mean age was 42.11±12.05 (range: 23 to 65 years) in the propeller perforator flap group. Hospital stays and overall operation time was significantly higher in the propeller flap group. There was no statistically significant difference in complication rates between either group.Conclusions: Concerning many advantages, like decreased operative time, avoiding micro anastomosis, reconstruction with like tissues, we suggest that propeller perforator flaps can be first-line reconstructive choice. These flaps can be used successfully by reconstructive surgeons in small clinics to prevent unnecessary tertiary medical center referrals as well as extended hospitalizations, long operation times, and increased costs. However, propeller flaps do hold more complications compared to local flaps and do require technical expertise.

Analysis of risk factors for complications of perforator propeller flaps used for soft tissue reconstruction after malignant tumor resection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Perforator propeller flaps (PPFs) have been widely used due to their numerous advantages; however, they were also associated with various complications. Herein, we analyzed the risk factors for complications of PPFs used for soft tissue reconstruction after malignant tumor resection. We searched databases for articles on soft tissue reconstruction using PPFs after malignant tumor resection published between January 1991 and April 2021. Studies were selected according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. Fixed effects models and relative risks were used for data analysis. Funnel plots and Begg's test were used to evaluate publication bias. Twenty-six articles met the inclusion criteria. Complications were found in 24.7% of all patients. The four significant risk factors were age equal or older than 60 years (pooled relative risk, 1.83; p=.04), smoking (pooled relative risk, 2.32; p=.03), diabetes (pooled relative risk, 2.59; p=.01) and radiotherapy (pooled relative risk, 2.09; p=.01). Hypertension, defects located in the extremities, flap size equal or greater than 100 cm2 , and pedicle rotation equal or greater than 120 degrees were not significant risk factors for complications. No publication bias was found in the included articles. Age equal or older than 60 years, smoking, diabetes and radiotherapy are four risk factors for complications when PPFs are used to reconstruct soft tissue defects resulting from malignant tumor resection.

Combined versus Single Perforator Propeller Flaps for Reconstruction of Large Soft Tissue Defects: A Retrospective Clinical Study

Sufficient wound closure of large soft tissue defects remains a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. We aimed to investigate whether combined perforator propeller flaps (PPFs) are suitable to expand reconstructive options. Patients undergoing PPF reconstruction surgery between 2008 and 2021 were screened and evaluated retrospectively. Of 86 identified patients, 69 patients received one perforator propeller flap, while 17 patients underwent combined PPF reconstruction with multiple flaps. We chose major complications as our primary outcome and defined those as complications that required additional surgery. Postoperatively, 27 patients (31.4%) suffered major complications. The propeller flap size, the type of intervention as well as the operation time were not associated with a higher risk of major complications. A defect size larger than 100 cm2, however, was identified as a significant risk factor for major complications among single PPFs but not among combined PPFs (OR: 2.82, 95% CI: 1.01−8.36; p = 0.05 vs. OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.02−3.37; p = 0.32). In conclusion, combined PPFs proved to be a reliable technique and should be preferred over single PPFs in the reconstruction of large soft tissue defects at the trunk and proximal lower extremity.

Posterior tibial artery perforator propeller flap for lower extremity skin defect with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndromes—a case report

Posterior tibial artery perforator propeller flap for lower extremity skin defect with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndromes—a case report

A propeller superficial transverse cervical artery perforator flap for defect coverage of the submental area: a case report

Reconstruction of submental defects is a challenge that needs to be approached carefully, since many important anatomical structures are located in this small space. Both aesthetic and functional outcomes should be considered during reconstruction. In this report, we describe a case where a superficial branch of the transverse cervical artery (STCA) perforator propeller flap was applied for coverage of the submental area. An 85-year-old woman presented with a 3-cm ovoid mass on her submental area. We covered the large submental defect with a STCA rotational flap in a 180° propeller pattern. The flap survived well without any complications at 1 year of follow-up. A STCA propeller flap is a useful surgical option in reconstruction for defect coverage of the submental area.

Safety and Vascular Impact of Perforator Propeller Flaps during Distal Lower Limb Reconstruction.

Background:In distal lower limb defects, the paucity of local tissues dictates a free-flap (FF)-based reconstruction frequently. The propeller perforator flap (PPF) offers a good alternative when the patient or the limb or both are not fit for FF-based reconstruction. Also, in contexts of restricted healthcare resources, armed conflict scenarios, or during pandemics like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, PPF is considered a valuable alternative to free-flap-based reconstruction. Additionally, PPFs are less sacrificing in terms of major limb vessels and distal limb vascularity. Yet, the distal lower limb vascular impact for PPF-based reconstruction has not been studied before.Methods:In total, 23 patients with distal lower limb defects were reconstructed with PPFs. By using U/S arterial duplex, the peak arterial velocity (PA velocity) was measured pre and postoperatively in 15 (65.2%) out of the 23 patients. This measurement was done to the vessel segment distal to the used perforator.Results:An estimated 21 out of 23 flaps succeeded to reconstruct the patients’ defects safely and to give all patients stable coverage without further surgeries. Only two patients had flap failure, which was managed successfully through additional reconstruction sessions. The difference between pre- and postoperative PA velocity was not statistically significant.Conclusions:PPFs are a safe cost-effective reconstruction modality for distal lower limb defects. This advantage is very valuable in cases of restricted healthcare resources, wars, and during pandemics. In terms of distal limb vascularity, PPFs have no significant impact and can be used safely.

Clinical application of superior lateral genicular artery perforator propeller flap in repair of soft-tissue defects around knee joint

To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of using the superior lateral genicular artery (SLGA) perforator propeller flap to reconstruct soft-tissue defects around the knee joint. Between October 2013 and May 2019, 10 patients underwent repairing of soft-tissue defects around the knee joint using the SLGA perforator propeller flap. There were 6 males and 4 males, with a median age of 34.5 years (range, 6-66 years). Etiologies included radical tumor resection in 4 cases, post-burn scar contracture in 3 cases, post-burn hypertrophic scar in 2 cases, and prothesis exposure after knee arthroplasty in 1 case. Defects located on the lateral knee in 6 cases, proximal lateral leg in 2 cases, popliteal fossa in 1 cases, and infrapatellar region in 1 case. The size of soft-tissue defects was from 6 cm×4 cm to 14 cm×8 cm. The extraction range of the flap was from 10.0 cm×5.5 cm to 23.0 cm×7.0 cm; the length of the perforator pedicle was 2.5-5.0 cm, with an average of 3.65 cm; the flaps were rotated 180°, the large paddle of the propeller flap was used to repair the defect, and the small paddle was used to assist the closure of donor site. Blister was observed in the distal 3-cm of one flap and the flap survived after conservative management. All the flaps survived, and the wounds in the donor and recipient areas healed by first intention. There was no vascular crisis, incision dehiscence, infection, or other complications. All 10 patients were followed up 4 to 48 months, with an average of 12.6 months. The color and texture of the flap were similar to those of the recipient area, and there was no need for secondary operation for degreasing and thinning. Scar contracture was corrected; no tumor recurrence was found in tumor patients; the artificial knee joint was preserved, the knee joint flexion and extension activities were good, and all the patient and family members were satisfied with the appearance and function of the lower limbs after operation. The SLGA perforator propeller flap surgery is relatively simple without the need of microvascular anastomosis, has the minimal donor-site morbidities, and can provide a compound flap for the repairing of a complex wound. The SLGA perforator propeller flap is one of the optional methods to repair soft-tissue defects around the knee joint.

The Assessment of Postoperative Patency and Flow Pattern of Twisted Vascular Pedicle in Propeller Perforator Flaps in Lower Extremities Reconstruction

Abstract Background The propeller perforator flap is a variant of perforator flaps in which complete skeletonization of the perforator with venae commitantes is done to transfer the islanded flap on its pedicle with up to 180 degrees of twisting that predispose to its gradual occlusion by time. These flaps have been recently advocated for lower extremity reconstruction. However, reconstruction of the lower extremity especially in the distal third of the leg quite often involves multistage procedures that might necessitate flap re-elevation and little knowledge is available about postoperative patency of these flaps. Aim of the work The aim of this study is to assess the postoperative patency and flow pattern in twisted vascular pedicle of propeller perforator flaps used in lower extremity reconstruction. Materials and methods A Prospective study was conducted on 15 patients 18 years or older of both genders undergoing lower extremity soft tissue reconstruction by propeller perforator flaps rotated from 90 to 180 degrees at Ain Shams University Hospitals and Nasser Institute between 1st February and 31th December 2019. With exclusion of smoking, peripheral vascular diseases and diabetes mellitus, each patient was evaluated preoperatively in regards to age, gender, comorbidities, bacterial contamination or infection, cause of tissue loss. The flap size, source vessel, arc of rotation, donor site closure was analyzed. The flow pattern was evaluated by handheld Doppler device and used as a control for the study. Postoperatively, the same handheld Doppler device was used to localize the vascular pedicle, evaluate its patency and assess the flow pattern at a minimum follow up period of 3 months postoperatively in all patients. Results The mean age of the fifteen patients included was 35.3 years old. Six patients lost tissue was caused by unstable scar, while post-traumatic in the remaining. Preoperatively, four patients had osteomyelitis and four had wound infection. The rest of patients did not report any infection. Eight out of fifteen patients used perforators from peroneal vessel source, while seven patients used posterior tibial artery source. Forty percent of included participants had a 180 degrees arc of rotation, while 26.7% of participants had an arc rotation angle of 120 degrees, and 33.3% had 90 degrees. Five patients had early post-operative congestion that improved by conservative methods without de-rotation of the flap, one patient had skin graft loss over the donor site of the flap, and another patient suffered in addition to skin graft loss distal congestion leading to superficial skin necrosis. Eight patients had no complications. All patients had patent vessels with biphasic flow pattern postoperatively at a minimum of 3 months postoperatively. Conclusion The perforator propeller flaps are safe, reliable procedures and are considered as an ideal option in reconstructing small-medium defects of the middle and distal third of the leg providing similar skin texture with low rate of vascular obstruction. The present study documented patent vascular pedicle of propeller perforator flaps at three months postoperatively.

Brachial artery perforator propeller flap reconstruction of post electrical burn defect axilla

In the current scenario, propeller flaps are an attractive choice for single stage coverage of a large number of defects. They have a more reliable vascular pedicle than traditional flap and allow for greater freedom in design and wide mobilization and minimal donor-site morbidity. Harvesting of a propeller flap requires appropriate patient selection, preoperative planning, and meticulous dissection and these techniques greatly reduce the complication rates. Here, we present a case of a post burn raw area of the right axilla which was debrided and covered with a brachial artery perforator propeller flap.

Versatility of the Peroneal Perforator Propeller Sural Flap for Various Types of Injuries in the Ankle and Foot Regions.

The goals of soft tissue reconstruction in the distal lower extremities are to provide a functional limb and to help patients return to a normal life with the capability of wearing shoes or boots. A peroneal perforator propeller sural flap is a combination of a sural flap and a peroneal propeller perforator flap. This article presents the versatility of this flap in the foot and ankle regions. Eleven peroneal perforator propeller sural flaps were harvested to reconstruct the ankle and foot regions. There were 9 male and 2 female patients, with ages ranging from 9 to 64 years. The flaps were used for 7 different defect types including avulsion, gunshot, crush injury, diabetic foot, defect secondary to orthopedic surgery, tumor resection, and electrical burn. The flaps included 3 different insetting types and 2 different utilizations of the sural nerve. Eight direct propeller flaps, 2 interpolation propeller flaps, and 1 passing-through-style propeller flap were harvested as flap insetting types. In 1 patient, sural nerve coaptation was used, and in 2 patients, an additional posterior tibial artery perforator flap was used. One patient underwent surgery at the time of the injury. Only 2 patients had complications related to the type of injury. There was no need for debulking surgery for patients to wear their own shoes or boots. The peroneal perforator propeller sural flap can be harvested as a sensory flap with sural nerve coaptation, a passing-through- style, an interpolation style, an extended style, or as a component of double perforator flaps. This type of flap provides various options in the challenging field of reconstructive surgery.

Predictors of the surgical outcome of propeller perforator flap reconstruction, focusing on the effective safe distance between the perforator and the wound edge

BackgroundSoft tissue defects in the distal third of the leg and malleolus are difficult to cover and often require free tissue transfer, even for small-sized defects. Propeller flaps were designed as an alternative to free tissue transfer, but are reportedly associated with high complication rates. The aim of our study was to assess our institutional experience with the propeller flap technique and to predict its outcome in lower-limb reconstruction.MethodsAll patients who had undergone propeller flap reconstruction of a distal leg defect between 2013 and 2018 were included. Demographic, clinical, and follow-up data were analyzed.ResultsComplications occurred in 17 of 82 propeller flaps (20.7%), comprising 11 cases of partial necrosis and six of total necrosis. There were no significant differences in age, sex, body mass index smoking, diabetes mellitus, and soft tissue defect sites between the groups of patients with versus without flap necrosis (p > 0.05). In univariate analysis, there were also no significant differences between these two groups in the length and width of the fascial pedicle, and the ratio of the flap length to the flap width (p > 0.05). Interestingly, there were significant differences between the two groups in the distance between the flap perforator, the shortest distance from the perforator to the defect location, and the rotation angle of the flap (p < 0.05). In multivariable logistic regression analysis with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), the shortest distance from the perforator to the defect location was a significant risk factor for flap complications (p = 0.000; OR = 0.806). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that when the shortest distance from the flap to the wound was less than 3.5 cm, the necrosis rate of the flap was markedly increased (AUC = 76.1); this suggests that the effective safe flap–wound distance was 3.5 cm.ConclusionsPropeller flaps are a reliable option for reconstruction in carefully selected patients with traumatic defects of the lower limb and malleolus. We found that the effective safe distance was 3.5 cm from the flap to the wound.

Two-point flap blood glucose measurement for monitoring propeller flap perfusion – a case report

Monitoring flap perfusion is a helpful method of postoperative care allowing for proper early intervention in and salvage of a flap. The basic means of blood supply monitoring include the assessment of color, warmth, skin tension, and a pin-prick examination. Along with advances in microvascular surgery, methods of flap blood circulation assessment have been also developed. This paper presents the case of a peroneal artery propeller perforator flap for the treatment of a secondary wound resulting from an orthopedic complication of ankle arthrodesis. Blood glucose level (BGL) was used to monitor flap perfusion as an early indicator of possible venous congestion. It is well known that in case of vascular compromise, whether arterial or venous, the flap salvage rate depends on how fast the vascular problem is resolved. Arterial insufficiency is easily detectable, and the arterial flow may be also monitored with minidoppler, however venous insufficiency causes symptoms less dynamically. This fact emphasized the importance of early prediction of venous insufficiency before clinical symptoms appear. It is crucial that the time between pedicle impairment and clinical signs is as short as possible.

Superior epigastric artery perforator flap for reconstruction of deep sternal wound infection.

The treatment of deep wound sternal infection requires loco-regional pedicled flaps, usually with muscular flaps. Perforator propeller flaps represent the ultimate progress in the history of reconstructive surgery. We report here our experience with the superior epigastric artery perforator (SEAP) flaps to repair sternal defect. Six patients presenting deep sternal wounds infection were treated with SEAP propeller flap, between March 2015 and June 2017. The mean age was 71.5 (range 53-83) years. The mean length and width of the defect were 16.2 × 7 cm (ranging 8-20 × 4-10). An elliptical skin flap pedicled on the SEAP was harvested in the inframammary fold and rotated up to 90° to cover the defect. All SEAP flaps achieved a successful entire coverage of the defect. The mean size of the skin paddle of the flap was 20.2 × 7.3 cm (ranging 14-27 × 6-9). All flaps were able to provide a complete sternal wound cover. Venous congestion was present in five cases and adequately treated by leech therapy; necrosis was distal in one case, and interesting the entire superficial flap in two cases but with deep tissues remaining viable and able to cover the mediastinum: an infected flap required revision. Satisfyingly, at 2-years postoperative follow-up all-patients were alive with a successful mediastinal cover. The SEAP Perforator propeller flap is an alternative to muscle flaps to achieve treatment of deep and large sternal wound infection.

Lower limb reconstruction involving osteosynthesis material: A retrospective study on propeller flaps outcomes

IntroductionReconstruction of soft tissue defects in lower limb fractures requiring internal fixation remains a challenging scenario with the optimal surgical treatment still debated. This study aims to recommend, and eventually redefine, surgical indications for propeller flaps reconstruction in the distal lower limb, with a particular focus on the presence or not of metalwork. MethodsA retrospective study of lower limb soft tissue reconstructions performed between January 2015 and July 2018 was carried out including all patients treated with a propeller perforator flap (PPF) with at least 6-month follow-up. Patients were further divided in 2 groups depending on the presence of metalwork fixation beneath the flap (F group, propeller on Framework; NF group, propeller with No-Framework). Results21 patients were retained (F group, 11 patients; NF group, 10 patients). There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, BMI, ASA scores, comorbidities or defect size. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (p<0.05) in the cumulative hospital stay with a mean cumulative hospital stay of 22 ± 9 days in the F group and 12 ± 8 days in NF group. Failures were higher where PPF were used to cover hardware material, with 3 patients requiring a major secondary procedure in F group versus 1 patient in NF group. ConclusionThe presence of underlying metalwork significantly reduced the margin for small, day-case revision procedures such as flap readvancement or STSG. This study emphasizes clinical intuition that whilst PPF are a useful and elegant tool in lower limb reconstruction, their use should be limited when underlying metalwork is present.

Invited Discussion: Use of Dorsal Nasal Flap in Combination With Nasolabial Perforator Propeller Flap for Reconstruction of Nasal Skin Defects of Medium to Large Size; A Simpler Alternative to Frontal Flap (SCS-20-02336).

Invited Discussion: Use of Dorsal Nasal Flap in Combination With Nasolabial Perforator Propeller Flap for Reconstruction of Nasal Skin Defects of Medium to Large Size; A Simpler Alternative to Frontal Flap (SCS-20-02336).