Anzeige
Erschienen in:
02.03.2020 | Original Scientific Report
Modified Anterior Tibial Artery Perforator-Pedicled Propeller Flap for Soft-Tissue Coverage of the Ankle and Heel
Erschienen in: World Journal of Surgery | Ausgabe 7/2020
Einloggen, um Zugang zu erhaltenAbstract
Background
The ankle and heel are challenging regions to reconstruct functionally. Here, we explored the feasibility and clinical outcomes of a modified anterior tibial artery perforator-pedicled propeller flap for the repair of soft-tissue defects of the ankle and heel.
Patients and methods
Between January 2013 and December 2015, 12 patients with soft-tissue defects of the ankle and/or heel underwent reconstructive surgery that included our flap technique. The flaps measured 20 × 8 cm to 7 × 4 cm. A hand-held Doppler was used to identify a proper constant perforator in the distal ankle. In each case, the base of the flap was well preserved. The flap was transposed (180° rotation) to reach and cover the defect.
Results
The average follow-up time was 13 months (10–28 months). We observed good texture matches and contour in all of the flaps. All patients could walk and wear normal footwear. All but one flap survived completely without complications. Partial loss was observed in one patient, and the necrotic region was healed with secondary intention.
Conclusion
Our modified anterior tibial artery free-style perforator-pedicled propeller flap provides a novel option for functional ankle and heel reconstruction.
Level of Evidence
Level IV.