A bipedicled keystone perforator island flap: Pedicle division technique with enhanced advancement potential for chronic wound coverage

Abstract

Since the first description of the keystone perforator island flap (KPIF) in 2003, several modifications have been suggested to enhance its coverage ability. However, locoregional flaps have limited its use in chronic wounds due to decreased elasticity around the defect. We investigated the use of a bipedicled KPIF (bKPIF), which covers a defect while completely elevating the median part of the flap from the fascia. A retrospective chart review of 20 consecutive patients who underwent classical type I KPIF (n = 10) or bKPIF (n = 10) reconstruction from June 2020 to December 2022 was performed. Baseline characteristics, indications, operative details, healing time, and complications were analyzed and compared between the two groups. The average defect size was 30 cm² in type I KPIF and 36.6 cm² in bKPIF, and an average flap size of 86.5 cm² was covered in type I KPIF, larger than bKPIF at 73.8 cm². The flap/defect ratio was significantly lower in the bKPIF group (p < 0.02), with an average of only 55% pedicular area. The average advancement distance in the bKPIF group was 1.85 cm (standard deviation 0.78) greater than that in the type 1 KPIF group. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of operation time, complete healing time, and complications. All ten bKPIFs were successful without any flap necrosis. Even though the mean pedicular area in the bKPIF group was nearly half compared with that in the type I KPIF group, it was sufficient to perfuse the entire flap without any major complications. This novel technique using bKPIF has potential clinical relevance, as evidenced by the enhanced ability to cover chronic defects with severe scarring. Lateralizing the hotspots to the bilateral corners of the flap is the mechanism that facilitates this potential.

Keywords: Chronic wound; Keystone flap; Local flap; Perforator flap; Reconstruction.