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Case Reports
. 2017 Nov 10;12(1):170.
doi: 10.1186/s13018-017-0675-z.

Peroneal artery perforator flap for the treatment of chronic lower extremity wounds

Liang Cheng  1 , Xiaqing Yang  1 , Tingxiang Chen  1 , Zhijie Li  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Peroneal artery perforator flap for the treatment of chronic lower extremity wounds

Liang Cheng et al. J Orthop Surg Res. .

Abstract

Background: Reconstruction of chronic lower extremity wounds remains challenging. These wounds are mainly associated with diabetes mellitus, infections, and osteomyelitis. Although several reconstructive techniques are available, the peroneal artery perforator flap has unique advantages.

Methods: In this study, we discuss our experiences with peroneal artery perforator flaps in 55 patients who had suffered from chronic lower limb wounds. The size of the defect, comorbidities, etiology, flap size, and complications were recorded and analyzed based on a retrospective chart review.

Results: All 55 flaps survived. In two cases, small superficial necrosis occurred, one of which healed with conservative treatment and the other was reconstructed with split thickness skin grafts. Partial necrosis was observed in nine cases, seven of which were covered with split thickness skin grafts and the remaining two sutured directly after adequate debridement. Vascular compromise was observed in one patient, which was salvaged successfully by performing an exploratory procedure and releasing a few sutures. No complications were seen in the remaining 44 cases.

Conclusion: The peroneal artery perforator flap is a reliable option for reconstruction of chronic lower extremity wounds.

Keywords: Chronic lower extremity wounds; Peroneal artery perforator flap; Reconstructive.

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Conflict of interest statement

Authors’ information

CL, TXC, XQY, and ZJL concentrated on rebuilding soft tissue defects in extremities.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

The use of the data from all patients has been approved by The Second Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Research Ethics Committee.

Consent for publication

The patients agreed for the study to be published.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
a, b A defect with exposed calcaneus in the heel. c Harvesting the peroneal artery perforator flap. d Early postoperative view. e Appearance 6 months after operation. f Follow-up at 12 months
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
a, b A defect with exposed fracture in the distal of lower limb. c Raising the peroneal artery perforator flap. d Early postoperative view. e Appearance 10 days after operation. f Follow-up at 12 months
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
a A defect with exposed fracture in the distal of lower limb. b Dissected the peronal artery perforator flap. c Elevating the peronal artery perforator flap. d Early postoperative view. e Appearance 7 days after operation
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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