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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · J Reconstr Microsurg Open 2023; 08(01): e38-e44
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1762894
Original Article

Use of Propeller Flaps for the Reconstruction of Defects around the Ankle

Fernando Benedetti
1   Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Unit, Clínica Imbanaco Grupo Quirón salud, Cali, Colombia
2   Faculty of Health Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali, Colombia
,
Paola Kafury
3   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Clínica Imbanaco Grupo Quirón Salud, Cali, Colombia
,
Fabiola Reyes-Arceo
1   Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Unit, Clínica Imbanaco Grupo Quirón salud, Cali, Colombia
,
Carmelo Lizardo
1   Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Unit, Clínica Imbanaco Grupo Quirón salud, Cali, Colombia
,
Federico Reina
1   Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Unit, Clínica Imbanaco Grupo Quirón salud, Cali, Colombia
,
Mauricio Zuluaga
1   Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Unit, Clínica Imbanaco Grupo Quirón salud, Cali, Colombia
2   Faculty of Health Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali, Colombia
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Abstract

Background This article describes the clinical results of the use of propeller flaps during reconstruction of coverage defects around the ankle.

Methods A retrospective study of all patients with bone and soft tissue defects around the ankle reconstruction using propeller flap between January 2021 and December 2022 was conducted. Flap survival rate and complications were the outcomes variables.

Results A total of 14 reconstructions in 13 patients (mean age: 45.8 ± 16.7 years) using propeller flaps were performed in the study period. The medial malleolus was the most affected area (n = 5) and the defect size ranged from 12 to 33.7 cm2. The posterior tibial artery was used as a perforator in 11 flaps. Complications were identified in five flaps, four developed venous congestion and one case, reactivation of infection. Only one propeller flap presented complete failure associated with necrosis. Good soft tissue coverage was achieved in 13 of 14 flaps.

Conclusion Propeller flaps proved to be a valid management option during reconstruction of bone and soft tissue defects around the ankle, offering adequate coverage in most cases. Adequate patient selection is important to decrease the risk of complications.

Keywords

propeller flap - complications - necrosis - ankle


Publication History

Received: 22 June 2022

Accepted: 31 October 2022

Article published online:
16 March 2023

© 2023. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

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