[Application of perforator propeller flap sequential transfer technique in repair of soft tissue defect of distal lower extremity].

Objective: To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of perforator propeller flap sequential transfer technique in repair of soft tissue defect of distal lower extremity.

Methods: Between July 2015 and July 2021, 10 patients with soft tissue defect of distal lower extremity were treated with perforator propeller flap sequential transfer technique. There were 8 males and 2 females, with a median age of 47 years (range, 6-71 years). The etiologies included malignant tumor in 5 cases, trauma in 3 cases, postburn scar contracture in 1 case, and diabetic foot ulcer in 1 case. The defects were located at the pretibial area in 1 case, the distal lower extremity and Achilles tendon in 3 cases, the dorsum of foot and lateral malleolar area in 4 cases, the heel in 1 case, and the plantar foot in 1 case. The size of the defect ranged from 5 cm×3 cm to 8 cm×8 cm. Peroneal artery perforator propellor flaps (the 1st flap) in size of 14 cm×4 cm to 29 cm×8 cm were used to repair the defects of distal lower extremity. The donor site defects were repaired with the other perforator propeller flaps (the 2nd flap) in size of 7 cm×3 cm to 19 cm×7 cm. The donor site of the 2nd flap was directly closed.

Results: All the operations were successfully completed and all of the 2nd flaps were elevated within 1 hour. Eight the 1st flaps survived completely; 2 had venous congestion. Among the 2 patients with venous congestion, 1 had necrosis of the distal end of the flap, and the secondary wound was repaired by skin grafting; 1 recovered spontaneously after 7 days. The 2nd flaps totally survived. No complication such as hematoma or infection occurred. Primary closure was achieved in all the recipient and donor sites. All patients were followed up 2-39 months，with a median of 15.5 months. The color, texture, and thickness of the flaps matched well with those of recipient sites. The normal contour of the leg was preserved. During follow-up, no recurrence of malignance or ulcer was observed. The scar contracture was completely released. All patients were satisfied with the reconstructive outcomes.

Conclusion: The application of the perforator propeller flap sequential transfer technique can improve the repair ability of the lower extremity perforator propeller flap while ensuring the first-stage closure of the donor site, thereby improving the effectiveness.