The Microvascular Peroneal Artery Perforator Flap as a "Lifeboat" for Pedicled Flaps

Jakubietz RG, Jakubietz DF, Horch RE, Gruenert JG, Meffert RH, Jakubietz MG (2019)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2019

Journal

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins

Book Volume: 7

Journal Issue: 9

DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002396

Abstract

Background: Pedicled perforator flaps have expanded reconstructive options in extremity reconstruction. Despite preoperative mapping, intraoperative findings may require microvascular tissue transfer when no adequate perforators can be found. The free peroneal artery perforator flap may serve as a reliable back-up plan in small defects. Methods: In 16 patients with small soft tissue defects on the upper and lower extremities, perforator-based propeller flaps were planned. The handheld Doppler device was used to localize potential perforators for a propeller flap in close proximity to the defect. Perforators of the proximal peroneal artery were also marked to allow conversion to microvascular tissue transfer. Results: In 6 cases, no adequate perforators were found intraoperatively. In 4 patients, the peroneal artery perforator flap was harvested and transferred. The pedicle length did not exceed 4 cm. No flap loss occurred. Conclusions: When no adequate perforator capable of nourishing a propeller flap can be found intraoperatively, the free peroneal artery flap is a good option to reconstruct small soft tissue defects in the distal extremities. The short vascular pedicle is less ideal in cases with a large zone of injury requiring a more distant site of anastomosis or when recipient vessels are located in deeper tissue planes.

Authors with CRIS profile

Raymund Horch Professur für Plastische Chirurgie und Handchirurgie

Involved external institutions

Universitätsklinikum Würzburg DE Germany (DE) Kantonsspital St.Gallen CH Switzerland (CH)

How to cite

APA:

Jakubietz, R.G., Jakubietz, D.F., Horch, R.E., Gruenert, J.G., Meffert, R.H., & Jakubietz, M.G. (2019). The Microvascular Peroneal Artery Perforator Flap as a "Lifeboat" for Pedicled Flaps. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 7(9). https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000002396

MLA:

Jakubietz, Rafael G., et al. "The Microvascular Peroneal Artery Perforator Flap as a "Lifeboat" for Pedicled Flaps." Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open 7.9 (2019).

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