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CC BY-NC 4.0 · Arch Plast Surg 2015; 42(05): 619-625
DOI: 10.5999/aps.2015.42.5.619
Original Article

Reconstruction of Ankle and Heel Defects with Peroneal Artery Perforator-Based Pedicled Flaps

Deok Ki Ahn
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University Health System, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
,
Dae Hyun Lew
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University Health System, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
,
Tai Suk Roh
2Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
,
Won Jai Lee
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University Health System, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Background The reconstruction of ankle and heel defects remains a significant problem for plastic surgeons. The following options exist for reconstructing such defects: local random flaps, reverse flow island flaps, and free flaps. However, each of these methods has certain drawbacks. Peroneal artery perforators have many advantages; in particular, they are predictable and reliable for ankle and heel reconstructions. In this study, we report our clinical experience with peroneal artery perforator-based pedicled flaps in ankle and heel reconstructions.

Methods From July 2005 to October 2012, 12 patients underwent the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the ankle and heel using a peroneal artery perforator-based pedicled flap. These 12 cases were classified according to the anatomical area involved. The cause of the wound, comorbidities, flap size, operative results, and complications were analyzed through retrospective chart review.

Results The mean age of the patients was 52.4 years. The size of the flaps ranged from 5×4 to 20×8 cm2. The defects were classified into two groups based on whether they occurred in the Achilles tendon (n=9) or heel pad (n=3). In all 12 patients, complete flap survival was achieved without significant complications; however, two patients experienced minor wound dehiscence. Nevertheless, these wounds healed in response to subsequent debridement and conservative management. No patient had any functional deficits of the lower extremities.

Conclusions Peroneal artery perforator-based pedicled flaps were found to be a useful option for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the ankle and heel.

Keywords

Lower extremity - Perforator flap - Achilles tendon - Heel


Publication History

Received: 23 March 2015

Accepted: 22 June 2015

Article published online:
05 May 2022

© 2015. The Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License, permitting unrestricted noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)

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