Pedicle Fasciocutaneous Perforator Flaps for Reconstruction of Upper and Lower Extremity Soft-Tissue Defects

Pedicled fasciocutaneous perforator flaps are a main alternative to free flaps. In this study, the authors presented their clinical experience with the use of pedicled fasciocutaneous perforator flaps for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects of the extremities.

There were 34 reconstructive procedures using pedicled fasciocutaneous perforator flaps for replacement of soft-tissue defects in the upper (26 cases) and lower extremities (8 cases). Four donor sites were used for the perforator flaps: the medial and lateral surface of the forearm, medial part of the leg, and medial part of the arm. In most cases, the donor site was closed primarily with local tissue. The perforator vessels were based on the radial, ulnar, and posterior tibial vessels. In all cases, flaps were elevated only on the perforator vessels without dissection or cutting the radial, ulnar, or posterior tibial vessels. The maximum size of the flap was 21 × 9 cm.

All flaps survived completely and skin coverage remained stable. At the donor site, no area of scar deformation or anesthesia was found.

Pedicled fasciocutaneous perforator flaps are an excellent choice for replacement of soft-tissue defects in the upper and lower extremities. In many cases, pedicled perforator flaps can be used as a main alternative to free vascularized flaps.