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. 2023 Mar 28;50(2):194-199.
doi: 10.1055/s-0042-1744416. eCollection 2023 Mar.

How to Transform a Perforator Propeller Flap into a Keystone Flap in Case of Unsatisfying Perforator Vessel Local Perforator Flap Coverage in Limbs

Elena Ciucur  1 , Hadj Boukhenouna  1 , Benjamin Guena  2 , I Garrido-Stowhas  2 , Christian Herlin  1 , Benoit Chaput  2
Affiliations

How to Transform a Perforator Propeller Flap into a Keystone Flap in Case of Unsatisfying Perforator Vessel Local Perforator Flap Coverage in Limbs

Elena Ciucur et al. Arch Plast Surg. .

Abstract

Moderate soft-tissue defects need stable coverage, ideally with tissue of similar characteristics and low donor site morbidity. We propose a simple technique for the coverage of moderate skin defects in the limbs. It allows intraoperative transformation of a propeller perforator flap (PPF) into a keystone design perforator flap (KDPF) in cases of unsatisfying perforator vessel or in cases of unpredictable intraoperative events. Between March 2013 and July 2019, nine patients with moderate soft-tissue defects (mean defect size 4.5 × 7.6 cm) in the limbs (two on the upper limbs and seven on the lower limbs) were covered using this technique. We performed four PPFs and five KDPFs. The mean follow-up was 5 months. There was one complication, partial distal tip necrosis in a PPF located in the leg, which healed by secondary intention within 3 weeks. The donor site was closed directly in all cases. No functional impairments were noted regardless of the perforator flap utilized. This technique enables us to employ flexible surgical strategies and allows us to make adjustments based on the patient's vascular anatomy.

Keywords: intraoperative transformation; lower extremity; propeller flap; reconstruction; upper extremity.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest None declared.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Type 1 technique. The propeller perforator flap (PPF) is indicated in blue ; the keystone design perforator flap (KDPF) in green . The red arrow indicates the exploratory pathway.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Type 2 technique. The propeller perforator flap (PPF) is indicated in blue ; the keystone design perforator flap (KDPF) in green . The red line indicates the exploratory pathway.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
The decisional algorithm between the two types of techniques.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Soft-tissue defect in the anterior proximal leg (size 4 × 7 cm) after melanoma excision.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Due to unsatisfactory perforator vessel, a Keystone flap was done.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Result at 3 weeks postsurgery.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Presurgical markings (defect size 5 × 10 cm) on the lateral aspect of the thigh. A satisfactory perforator was located and a propeller perforator flap (PPF) was harvested (type 2 technique).
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Final outcome.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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