Microsurgical free flap transfer to amputation sites: indications and results

A series of microsurgical free flap reconstructions to amputation stumps of the upper as well as the lower extremities was reviewed in 7 male and 2 female patients. Indications included preservation of length after trauma in 6 patients and cure of local infection in 2 patients. In 1 patient an extensive defect after resection of a recurrent shoulder sarcoma required use of a complete arm fillet free flap for tumor reconstruction. Microvascular free flaps used included four scapular flaps, two fillet flaps from the amputated extremity, one anterolateral thigh flap, and one lateral arm flap. Seven of 9 patients were fitted with a prosthesis and underwent occupational therapy resulting in ambulatory and improved functional status. Microvascular reconstruction is indicated in emergency settings as well as for elective reconstruction of amputation sites. Using uninjured "spare parts" of the amputated extremity should be considered. Elective reconstruction is performed preferably with free flaps based on the subscapular vascular system.     

The fate of lower extremities with failed free flaps: a single institution's experience over 25 years

BACKGROUND: Lower-extremity reconstruction with microvascular free flap coverage is often the only option for limb salvage. Flap failure rates, however, continue to have higher complication rates than those to other anatomic sites; a significant number of flaps that fail result in amputation. This study retrospectively analyzed patients treated at a single institution who underwent attempted lower-extremity limb salvage with microsurgical techniques over a 25-year period. Of particular interest are the outcome data for patients who had initial free flap failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospectively maintained database was used to identify patients who satisfy criteria. Every patient who was treated with a microvascular free flap to their lower extremities was identified and included in this analysis. All records were reviewed from 1980 through 2004. Patients who had free flaps to the lower extremity fail after the initial operation were identified and selected for further analysis. RESULTS: Five hundred eighty-eight patients who underwent microsurgical reconstruction of lower extremity wounds had a failure rate of 8.5%. Trauma patients (83%) had a failure rate of 9%. On subset analysis, the failure rate for trauma patients decreased from 11% (1980-1992) to 3.7% (1993-2004). Of patients who had a failed free flap, 18% went on to limb amputation; the remainder was salvaged with secondary free flaps, local flaps, or skin grafting. CONCLUSION: This single institutional experience spanning 25 years represents the longest continual series of lower-extremity free flaps reported in the literature. The improved success rate seen in the second half of the study period is attributed to a more critical selection of free-flap candidates, improved understanding of the physiology surrounding acute trauma and a more sophisticated multidisciplinary team organization.     

Anterolateral thigh flap: ideal free flap choice for lower extremity soft-tissue reconstruction

This article presents the authors' experience with the anterolateral thigh free flap for lower extremity reconstruction. Twenty-one consecutive anterolateral thigh flaps were transferred for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects of the lower extremity from March 2000 to May 2002. Total flap survival was 90.5 percent, with two partial failures. Venous congestion was observed in one flap (4.7 percent) and the venous anastomosis was revised immediately in the postoperative second hour. The mean follow-up time was 13.4 months (range: 5 to 26 months). The cutaneous perforators were consistently found and presented as musculocutaneous in 19 patients (90.5 percent) or septocutaneous in two other patients (9.5 percent). A thinned anterolateral thigh flap was used in 11 patients. Sensate flaps were used in four patients (19.05 percent) for the reconstruction of amputation stumps. Five flaps (23.8 percent) were used also as flow-through flaps. All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic and functional results. The anterolateral thigh flap has many advantages over other free flap donors in lower extremity reconstruction. These include a long and large caliber vascular pedicle, large and pliable skin paddle, good color and texture matching, and minimal donor-site morbidity. Moreover, the flap can be used successfully and safely as a sensate, thin, or flow-through flap. The anterolateral thigh flap can be accepted as an ideal free flap choice for lower extremity reconstruction because it has maximal reconstructive capacity and produces minimal donor-site morbidity.     

Free fillet flap application to cover forequarter or traumatic amputation of an upper extremity: A case report

Reusing tissue of amputated or unsalvageable limbs to reconstruct soft tissue defects is one aspect of the “spare parts concept.” Using a free fillet flap in such situations enables the successful formation of a proximal stump with the length needed to cover a large defect from forequarter amputation without risking additional donor‐site morbidity. The use of free fillet flaps for reconstruction after forequarter and traumatic upper extremity amputations is illustrated here in a case report. A 41‐year old patient required a forequarter amputation to resect a desmoid tumor, resulting in an extensive soft‐tissue defect of the upper extremity. A free fillet flap of the amputated arm and an additional local epaulette flap were used to reconstruct the defect. At 9 months after the procedure, a satisfactory result with a very well healed flap was attained. Free fillet flaps can be used successfully for reconstruction of large upper extremity defects, without risking additional donor‐site morbidity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:700–704, 2016.     

Lower‐limb reconstruction with chimeric flaps: The quad flap*

Early soft‐tissue coverage is critical for treating traumatic open lower‐extremity wounds. As free‐flap reconstruction evolves, injuries once thought to be nonreconstructable are being salvaged. Free‐tissue transfer is imperative when there is extensive dead space or exposure of vital structures such as bone, tendon, nerves, or blood vessels. We describe 2 cases of lower‐extremity crush injuries salvaged with the quad flap. This novel flap consists of parascapular, scapular, serratus, and latissimus dorsi free flaps in combination on one pedicle. This flap provides the large amount of soft‐tissue coverage necessary to cover substantial defects from skin degloving, tibia and fibula fractures, and soft‐tissue loss. In case 1, a 51‐year‐old woman was struck by an automobile and sustained bilateral tibia and fibula fractures, a crush degloving injury of the left leg, and a right forefoot traumatic amputation. She underwent reconstruction with a contralateral quad free flap. In case 2, a 53‐year‐old man sustained a right tibia plateau fracture with large soft‐tissue defects from a motorcycle accident. He had a crush degloving injury of the entire anterolateral compartment over the distal and lower third of the right leg. The large soft‐tissue defect was reconstructed with a contralateral quad flap. In both cases, the donor site was closed primarily and without early flap failures. There was one surgical complication, an abscess in case 2; the patient was taken back to the operating room for débridement of necrotic tissue. There have been no long‐term complications in either case. Both patients achieved adequate soft‐tissue coverage, avoided amputation, and had satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes. With appropriate surgical technique and patient selection, the quad‐flap technique is promising for reconstructing the lower extremity.     

Upper extremity reconstruction using free SCIA/SIEA flap

The most suitable free flap alternative in upper extremity reconstruction has adequate and quality of tissue with consistent vascular pedicle. Free flap must provide convenient tissue texture to reconstruct aesthetic and functional units of upper extremity. Furthermore, minimal donor site morbidity is preferred features in free flap election. In our efforts to obtain the best possible outcome for patients, we chose, as a first priority, the free superficial circumflex inferior artery (SCIA)/superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap over other free flap options for the soft‐tissue reconstruction of upper extremities. The authors retrospectively report the results of 20 free SCIA/SIEA flaps for upper extremity reconstruction during the past 3 years. Nineteen of 20 flaps were successful (95%): three required emergent postoperative reexploration of the anastomosis and one failed. Flap thinning (n = 4) was performed during the flap harvest, whereas some flaps were thinned with secondary debulking (n = 4). The functional and aesthetic results were evaluated as acceptable by all patients. Based on our results, a free SCIA/SIEA flap has the following advantages in soft‐tissue reconstruction of the upper extremity: (1) if necessary, flap thinning may be performed safely at the time of flap elevation and (2) flaps are harvested using a lower abdominal incision so that it causes minimal donor site scar. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010.     

Customized reconstruction with the free anterolateral thigh perforator flap

From April of 2003 through September of 2006, 70 free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps were transferred for reconstructing soft-tissue defects. The overall success rate was 96%. Among 70 free ALT flaps, 11 were elevated as cutaneous ALT septocutaneous vessel flaps. Fifty-seven were harvested as cutaneous ALT myocutaneous "true" perforator flaps. Two flaps were used as fasciocutaneous perforator flaps based on independent skin vessels. Fifty-four ALT flaps were used for lower extremity reconstruction, 11 flaps were used for upper extremity reconstruction, 3 flaps were used for trunk reconstruction, and 1 flap was used for head and neck reconstruction. Total flap failure occurred in 3 patients (4.28% of the flaps), and partial failure occurred in 5 patients (7.14% of the flaps). The three flaps that failed completely were reconstructed with a free radial forearm flap, a latissimus dorsi flap and skin grafting, respectively. Among the five flaps that failed partially, three were reconstructed with skin grafting, one with a sural flap, and one with primary closure. The free ALT flap has become the workhorse for covering defects in most clinical situations in our center. It is a reliable flap with consistent anatomy and a long, constant pedicle diameter. Its versatility, in which thickness and volume can be adjusted, leads to a perfect match for customized reconstruction of complex defects.     

Reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the extremities with a pedicled perforator flap: series of 25 patients

Since the introduction of perforator-based flaps, new flaps have been described for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the extremities. Pedicled perforator flaps, often called propeller flaps, are based on a single perforator and are local axial flaps that can be rotated up to 180(0) with the single perforator as the pivotal point. Pedicle perforator flaps have gained popularity because they have a shorter operating time than free flaps. However, some concern has been raised about their reliability. Here we report our results of 11 soft tissue reconstructions in the lower leg and 14 in the upper extremity. The defects were mostly traumatic or caused by release of burn scars. The mean size of the flaps in the lower leg was 52 cm(2) (range 126-15 cm(2)). In the upper extremity it was 24 cm(2) (range 12-35 cm(2)). All patients were followed until the wound had healed. In the upper extremity there was only one partial necrosis of the flap, and one patient had an infected wound. One haematoma was evacuated postoperatively, and all the rest healed uneventfully. In the lower leg we had one total necrosis and one partial necrosis of the flap and one infected wound. A free scapular flap was used for salvage in one case, and revision and skin grafting in two. The pedicled perforator flap is reliable, particularly in the upper extremity. The operation is quick and can be done under regional anaesthesia. The flap is thin and has a local texture that gives a good functional and aesthetic result. The pedicled perforator flap is a little unpredictable in the lower leg, probably because the directions of the vessels that arise from the perforator are not consistent.     

The use of forearm free fillet flap in traumatic upper extremity amputations

Background: Complete traumatic upper extremity avulsions are an infrequent but devastating injury. These injuries are usually the result of massive blunt trauma to the upper limb. Intact issue from amputated or nonsalvageable limbs may be transferred for reconstruction of complex defects resulting from trauma when the indications for replantation are not met. This strategy allows preservation of stump length or coverage of exposed joints, and provides free flap harvest for reconstruction without additional donor‐site morbidity. Methods: A retrospective review at São João Hospital was performed on seven patients who had undergone immediate reconstruction with forearm free fillet flaps between 1992 and 2007. Results: There were six men and one woman, with patient age ranging from 17 to 74 years (mean, 41 years). Amputation sites were at the humeral neck (n = 1), at the humeral shaft (n = 5), and below the elbow (n = 1). The area of the forearm free fillet flap skin paddle was 352.14 ± 145.48 cm (mean ± SD). The two major complications were the flap loss and the patient death on postoperative day 3 in other case. The postoperative course in the remaining five cases was uneventful with good healing of the wounds. Minor complications included two small residual defects treated by split‐thickness skin grafting and one wound infection requiring drainage and revision. Conclusions: The forearm free fillet flap harvested from the amputated limb provides reliable and robust tissue for reconstruction of large defects of the residual limb without additional donor‐site morbidity. Microsurgical free fillet flap transfer to amputation sites is valuable for achieving wound closure, improving stump durability, and maximizing function via preservation of length. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.     

Reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the Achilles tendon with rotation flaps,pedicled propeller flaps and free perforator flaps

Introduction. Soft tissue defects exposing the Achilles tendon are challenging. Local perforator flaps represent a valuable option gaining increasing popularity. Despite preoperative planning an adequate perforator cannot always be found intraoperatively. The free peroneal artery perforator flap can serve as a back‐up option limiting the donor site morbidity to the same extremity without sacrificing major vessels or nerves. Methods. Nine patients with soft tissue defects exposing the Achilles tendon were treated with local perforator flaps, seven were scheduled for 180° propeller flap coverage after Doppler‐ultrasound examination. However, in two patients (22%) no adequate perforators were found intraoperatively. As the perforators for the free peroneal artery perforator flap were routinely mapped out, this flap was harvested for microsurgical reconstruction. Results. One patient with a 180° propeller flap developed a partial flap necrosis, another patient developed superficial epidermolysis, both requiring skingrafting. No complications were seen with free tissue transfer. Conclusion. Pedicled perforator flaps as propeller flaps add options to the armamentarium of microsurgeons. Despite thorough preoperative planning the surgeons must be prepared to perform a different method of reconstruction if inadequate vessels are encountered. To limit additional donor site morbidity, local options are preferred. The free peroneal artery perforator flap represents a good option as it matches the original tissue properties closely. The complication rate of propeller flaps in this series is tolerable. Propeller flaps should therefore be considered an alternative but not as a replacement of local fasciocutaneous flaps. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 30:608–613, 2010.     

Reconstructive indications of simultaneous double free flaps in the head and neck: A case series and literature review

Extensive and complex defects of the head and neck involving multiple anatomical and functional subunits are a reconstructive challenge. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the reconstructive indications of the use of simultaneous double free flaps in head and neck oncological surgery. This is a retrospective review of 21 consecutive cases of head and neck malignancies treated surgically with resection and reconstruction with simultaneous use of double free flaps. Nineteen of 21 patients had T4 primary tumor stage. Eleven patients had prior history of radiotherapy or chemo‐radiotherapy. Forty‐two free flaps were used in these patients. The predominant combination was that of free fibula osteo‐cutaneous flap with free anterolateral thigh (ALT) fascio‐cutaneous flap. The indications of the simultaneous use of double free flaps can be broadly classified as: (a) large oro‐mandibular bone and soft tissue defects (n = 13), (b) large oro‐mandibular soft tissue defects (n = 4), (c) complex skull‐base defects (n = 2), and (d) dynamic total tongue reconstruction (n = 2). Flap survival rate was 95%. Median follow‐up period was 11 months. Twelve patients were alive and free of disease at the end of the follow‐up. Eighteen of 19 patients with oro‐mandibular and glossectomy defects were able to resume an oral diet within two months while one patient remained gastrostomy dependant till his death due to disease not related to cancer. This patient had a combination of free fibula flap with free ALT flap, for an extensive oro‐mandibular defect. The associated large defect involving the tongue accounted for the swallowing difficulty. Simultaneous use of double free flap aided the reconstruction in certain large complex defects after head and neck oncologic resections. Such combination permits better complex multiaxial subunit reconstruction. An algorithm for choice of flap combination for the appropriate indications is proposed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.     

Die 180o-Propellerlappenplastik zur Defektdeckung im Bereich des distalen Unterschenkels

Objective

Operative technique of propeller flap reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the distal lower extremity. Soft tissue reconstruction of the distal third of the lower extremity with local, reliable perforator flaps avoiding free tissue transfer.

Indications

Complex wounds (maximum width of 6?cm) of the distal lower extremity with exposed bones, joints, tendons, and neurovascular structures.

Contraindications

Arterial vascular disease (stage III or IV), diabetes mellitus, postthrombotic syndrome, venous ulcers, chronic lymphedema, contusion of adjacent soft tissue, previous radiation, and lack of perforators

Surgical technique

The perforator represents the pivot point around which rotation of up to 180o of the subfascially harvested flap allows closure of the defect. The proximal donor site can be closed primarily up to a width of 6?cm.

Postoperative management

Strict elevation of the extremity for 5?days, then flap conditioning.

Results

This technique was used for soft tissue reconstruction in 17 patients. In one patient with diabetes, complete flap necrosis occurred, requiring amputation of the extremity. One case of epidermolysis healed without further surgery.     

Die Deckung von Weichteildefekten und instabilen Narben über der Achillessehne durch freie mikrochirurgische Lappenplastiken

INTRODUCTION: Coverage of the exposed Achilles tendon requires thin, supple tissue to provide adequate range of motion and a satisfying aesthetic result for the distal lower extremity. Various local flaps and free flaps have been described for reconstruction of small and large defects. Small defects can be closed with local tissue, whereas free flap coverage may be necessary for coverage of large defects. METHODS: From July 1993 to September 1998 14 patients between the age of 15 and 74 years (mean 47 years; 3 female, 11 male) underwent free flap coverage for the exposed Achilles tendon due to primary trauma, chronic wounds or tumors. The mean duration of follow-up was 33.3 months. The defect size ranged from 8 x 8 to 25 x 28 cm. RESULTS: Six parascapular flaps (three with a vascularized scapular fascial extension), four radial forearm flaps and four latissimus dorsi flaps (one combined with free serratus fascia) were used for soft tissue coverage over the Achilles tendon. Thirteen flaps survived. In one case a parascapular flap had to be removed due to venous thrombosis and a free latissimus dorsi flap was used as secondary salvage procedure. The donor site morbidity was acceptable for most patients after flap harvesting in the subscapular region and also satisfactory in the forearm region. Average active range of motion in the upper ankle joint was 15-0-40 degrees for extension/flexion. All patients were satisfied with the functional and aesthetic result. CONCLUSION: Soft tissue coverage over the exposed Achilles tendon requires an optimal solution for each patient to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result and acceptable function. Microvascular free flaps can be used to reconstruct medium and large defects and to provide gliding tissue for the Achilles tendon. The complication rate of microvascular flaps is comparable with that of local flaps.     

Free style perforator based propeller flaps: Simple solutions for upper extremity reconstruction!

Background:

The introduction of perforator flaps by Koshima et al. was met with much animosity in the plastic surgery fraternity. The safety concerns of these flaps following the intentional twist of the perforators have prevented widespread adoption of this technique. Use of perforator based propeller flaps in the lower extremity is gradually on the rise, but their use in upper extremity reconstruction is infrequently reported, especially in the Indian subcontinent.

Materials and Methods:

We present a retrospective series of 63 free style perforator flaps used for soft tissue reconstruction of the upper extremity from November 2008 to June 2013. Flaps were performed by a single surgeon for various locations and indications over the upper extremity. Patient demographics, surgical indication, defect features, complications and clinical outcome are evaluated and presented as an uncontrolled case series.

Results:

63 free style perforator based propeller flaps were used for soft tissue reconstruction of 62 patients for the upper extremity from November 2008 to June 2013. Of the 63 flaps, 31 flaps were performed for trauma, 30 for post burn sequel, and two for post snake bite defects. We encountered flap necrosis in 8 flaps, of which there was complete necrosis in 4 flaps, and partial necrosis in four flaps. Of these 8 flaps, 7 needed a secondary procedure, and one healed secondarily. Although we had a failure rate of 12-13%, most of our failures were in the early part of the series indicative of a learning curve associated with the flap.

Conclusion:

Free style perforator based propeller flaps are a reliable option for coverage of small to moderate sized defects.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic IV.KEY WORDS: Hand defects, perforator flaps, propeller flaps, perforator based propeller flaps, upper extremity, wrist defects     

Current concepts of microvascular reconstruction for limb salvage in electrical burn injuries.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular reconstruction is rarely indicated in burn injuries. As the versatility and variability of free flaps have increased significantly during recent years so, the indications for this procedure have been expanded for limb salvage after electrical injuries. METHODS: We report retrospectively the results of 26 free flaps for extremity reconstruction in 19 patients suffering from severe electrical burn injuries. Nine different free flap types were used. On the basis of this experience we were able to establish reconstructive principles in electrical injuries pertinent to the timing of reconstruction procedures. RESULTS: Early coverage with muscular flaps was the most frequently used type of reconstruction. At a later stage of the treatment course reconstruction with cutaneous or fascial flaps was the preferred method; for the reconstruction of complex or multistructural defects (n=3) combined 'chimeric' flaps were used. Overall, the flap failure rate was 15% (n=4). Interestingly, there was a relationship between flap failure rate and timing of the procedure. All the flap failures occurred within 5-21 days after trauma. No flap failure occurred during secondary reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that electrical burn injuries are distinct entities requiring individual reconstructive solutions for limb salvage. Even if our flap failure rate is relatively high it should not be forgotten that this type of reconstruction represents an opportunity for limb salvage as opposed to early amputation.     

Postoperative monitoring of lower limb free flaps with the Cook–Swartz implantable Doppler probe: A clinical trial

Background: Free flaps to the lower limb have inherently high venous pressures, potentially impairing flap viability, which may lead to limb amputation if flap failure ensues. Adequate monitoring of flap perfusion is thus essential, with timely detection of flap compromise able to potentiate flap salvage. While clinical monitoring has been popularized, recent use of the implantable Doppler probe has been used with success in other free flap settings. Methods: A comparative study of 40 consecutive patients undergoing microvascular free flap reconstruction of lower limb defects was undertaken, with postoperative monitoring achieved with either clinical monitoring alone or the use of the Cook‐Swartz implantable Doppler probe. Results: The use of the implantable Doppler probe was associated with salvage of 2/2 compromised flaps compared to salvage of 2/5 compromised flaps in the group undergoing clinical monitoring alone (salvage rate 100% vs. 40%, P = 0.28). While not statistically significant, this was a strong trend toward an improved flap salvage rate with the use of the implantable Doppler probe. There were no false positives or negatives in either group. One flap loss in the clinically monitored group resulted in limb amputation (the only amputation in the cohort). Conclusion: A trend toward early detection and salvage of flaps with anastomotic insufficiency was seen with the use of the Cook–Swartz implantable Doppler probe. These findings suggest a possible benefit of this technique as a stand‐alone or adjunctive tool in the clinical monitoring of free flaps, with further investigation warranted into the broader application of these devices. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 30:354–360, 2010.     

Reliable option for reconstruction of amputation stumps: the free anterolateral thigh flap

The increased use of microsurgery has enabled reconstructive surgeons to deal with tissue defects of various sizes and compositions. The limited amount of qualified tissue for covering is the primary problem in stump reconstruction. Free flaps offer the ideal solution by providing the optimal cover, and by preserving the length of the amputation site. Anterolateral thigh flaps were preferred for reconstruction of lower extremity amputation sites of nine patients admitted both in the subacute and chronic periods. All underwent previous stump reconstruction with local flaps in other clinics. Anterolateral thigh flaps avoided further shortening of the extremities, and provided stable tissue for prosthesis use. The flap offers reliable soft-tissue reconstruction of amputation stumps.     

Pedicled flaps for lower extremity reconstruction in the elderly: a retrospective study of 16 cases

We reviewed a consecutive series of 16 patients above 60 years of age (mean age 71 years) who underwent reconstruction with pedicled flaps in the lower extremity. The soft tissue defects ranged from 9 to 50 cm and were caused in 11 patients (70%) by surgical complications from previous surgeries. Of these, 5 patients underwent a total joint replacement of the knee (4 cases) and of the ankle (1 case). Surgery consisted of 19 muscular flaps, and 3 fasciocutaneous flaps. Six patients were treated with a combination of 2 flaps. The overall surgical complication rate after reconstruction was 44%. There was no perioperative mortality and there were no medical complications. One patient required an above-the-knee amputation because of uncontrollable postoperative bleeding. A thrombectomy was performed in another patient to treat a postoperative popliteal artery occlusion with critical ischemia of the leg. Other complications included recurrent total joint replacement infections (2 cases), marginal flap necrosis (4 cases), and skin necrosis at the donor site (1 case). The mean hospitalization stay was 46 days. All patients but 1 completely healed, although secondary surgery was performed in 7 patients. The occurrence of complications was not correlated with the preoperative morbidity or an age above 75 years. The local complication rate was higher than reported for free flap in the same age category, but the lack of perioperative mortality and medical complications make it a low-risk option for reconstruction of small- to middle-sized defects in the elderly.     

Reconstruction of distal lower extremities defect using the free peroneal artery perforator vessel based flap

Soft tissue defects of the distal lower extremities are challenging. The purpose of this paper is to present our experiences with the free peroneal artery perforator flap for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the distal lower extremity. Nine free peroneal artery perforator flaps were used to reconstruct soft tissue defects of the lower extremities between April 2006 and October 2011. All flaps were used for distal leg and foot reconstruction. Peroneal artery perforator flaps ranged in size from 2 cm × 4 cm to 6 cm × 12 cm. The length of the vascular pedicle ranged from 2 to 6 cm. Recipient vessels were: medial plantar vessels in seven cases, the dorsalis pedis vessel in one, metatarsal vessel in one. All flaps survived completely, a success rate of 100%. Advantages of this flap are that there is no need to sacrifice any main artery in the lower leg, and minimal morbidity at the donor site. This free perforator flap may be useful for patients with small to medium soft tissue defects of the distal lower extremities and feet. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:629–632, 2014.     

Technical refinements of composite thoracodorsal system free flaps for 1-stage lower extremity reconstruction resulting in reduced donor-site morbidity

A multitude of local flaps has been suggested for lower extremity reconstruction. However, the gold standard for defect coverage remains free tissue transfer. In this regard, the scapular vascular axis is a well-established source of expendable skin, fascia, muscle, and bone for use in free flap reconstruction of defects requiring bone and soft tissue in complex 3-dimensional relationships.Composite bone and soft-tissue flaps derived from the subscapular vascular axis include the osteocutaneous scapular flap, the "latissimus/bone flap," and the thoracodorsal artery perforator-scapular osteocutaneous flap.Patient outcome following reconstruction of lower extremity defects with composite free flaps from the thoracodorsal system were analyzed. Here, we demonstrate the execution of technical refinements on free composite flap transfers based on the thoracodorsal vascular axis, thus resulting in a stepwise reduction of donor-site morbidity.