Free perforator flaps vs propeller flaps in lower limb reconstruction: A cost/effectiveness analysis on a series of 179 cases.

Purpose: The aim of this report is to compare free perforator flaps and propeller flaps in the coverage of lower limb soft tissue defects.

Patients And Methods: 179 patients (age between 5 and 92 years old), underwent soft tissue reconstruction of the lower limb between January 2009 and January 2015, either by free flap or propeller flap. The two groups were retrospectively evaluated in order to assess the outcome, complications and potential risk factors.

Are there risk factors for complications of perforator-based propeller flaps for lower-extremity reconstruction?

Background: Conventional pedicled flaps for soft tissue reconstruction of lower extremities have shortcomings, including donor-site morbidity, restricted arc of rotation, and poor cosmetic results. Propeller flaps offer several potential advantages, including no need for microvascular anastomosis and low impact on donor sites, but their drawbacks have not been fully characterized.

Questions/purposes: We assessed (1) frequency and types of complications after perforator-based propeller flap reconstruction in the lower extremity and (2) association of complications with arc of rotation, flap dimensions, and other potential risk factors.