Abstract

POSSO, Carolina; WOLFF, Germán  and  CARDONA, Esteban. Propeller flap of perforating arteries in reconstruction of resection defects in the lower extremity: experience at the University IPS, Medellín, Colombia. rev. colomb. cir. [online]. 2017, vol.32, n.4, pp.290-296. ISSN 2011-7582.  https://doi.org/10.30944/20117582.37.

Introduction: Pedicled propeller perforator flaps are a versatile local reconstructive option for defects of the lower leg, ankle and foot. Material and methods: A retrospective review of 37 cases undergoing this procedure in the period 2012 to 2015 was performed. The analysis includes demographic and perioperative factors, complications and outcomes. Thirty-seven flaps were performed on a single perforator from any of the major vascular axes of the lower extremity. Results: The mean age was 44.3 years (range 18 -82 years). Etiology of soft tissue defects was trauma in 32% of the cases, but osteomyelitis, pressure sores and vascular ulcers were also present. Pedicle rotation arch ranged between 90 to 180 degrees. There was 5% percent complete necrosis and 24% partial flap failure rate, both associated with arteriopathy and ASA 3 score. Conclusion: Propeller perforator flaps provide reliable coverage for lower limb defects, with a comparable rate of complications to traditional regional flaps.

Keywords : Perforator flap; lower extremity; wounds and injuries; comorbidity; postoperative complications; necrosis.

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