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J Reconstr Microsurg 2020; 36(09): 634-644
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1713598
Original Article

The Effect of Perforator Skeletonization on Pedicled Fasciocutaneous Flaps of the Lower Extremity: A Systematic Review

Carol E. Soteropulos 
1   Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
,
Nikita O. Shulzhenko
2   Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey
,
Harry S. Nayar
3   Division of Plastic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
,
Samuel O. Poore 
1   Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
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Abstract

Background Lower extremity defects often require free tissue transfer due to a paucity of local donor sites. Locoregional perforator-based flaps offer durable, single-stage reconstruction while avoiding the pitfalls of microsurgery. Multiple harvest techniques are described, yet few studies provide outcome comparisons. Specifically, no study has examined the impact of perforator flap pedicle skeletonization on reconstructive outcomes. This systematic review characterizes technique and impact of pedicle skeletonization on perforator-based fasciocutaneous flaps of the lower extremity.

Methods PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were reviewed for literature examining perforator-based fasciocutaneous flaps from knee to ankle, from January 2000 through November 2018. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews-Individual Participant Data (PRISMA-IPD) structure was used.

Results Thirty-six articles were included for quantitative analysis. Of 586 flaps, 365 were skeletonized (60.1%) with 58 major (9.9%) and 19 minor complications (3.2%). With skeletonization, overall reoperative rate was higher (odds ratio [OR]: 9.71, p = 0.004), specifically in propeller (OR: 12.50, p = 0.004) and rotational flaps (OR: 18.87, p = 0.004). The complication rate of rotational flaps also increased (OR: 2.60, p = 0.04). Notably, skeletonization reduced complications in flaps rotated 90 degrees or more (OR: 0.21, p = 0.02). Reoperative rate of distal third defects (OR: 14.08, p = 0.02), flaps over 48 cm2 (OR: 33.33, p = 0.01), and length to width ratios over 1.75 (OR: 7.52, p = 0.03) was increased with skeletonization. Skeletonization increased complications in traumatic defects (OR: 2.87, p = 0.04) and reduced complications in malignant defects (OR: 0.10, p = 0.01).

Conclusion Pedicled, perforator-based flaps can provide a reliable locoregional alternative to free tissue transfer for lower extremity defects. Though skeletonization increased the overall reoperative rate, the complication rate for flaps with 90 degrees or more of rotation was significantly reduced. This suggests skeletonization should be considered when large rotational movements are anticipated to reduce complications that can arise from pedicle compression and venous congestion.

Keywords

pedicled perforator flap - fasciocutaneous flaps - lower extremity reconstruction - pedicle skeletonization

Authors' Contributions

C.E.S. contributed to the concept, design, and drafting of the manuscript. N.O.S., H.S.N., S.O.P. contributed to the concept, design, and revision of the manuscript. N.O.S. also contributed to data collection.




Publication History

Received: 01 April 2020

Accepted: 13 May 2020

Article published online:
24 June 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers
333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

 

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