Aesthetic reconstruction of lower leg defects using a new anterolateral lower leg perforator flap.
Our objective in this study was to report on the successful clinical use of a new perforator flap obtained from the proximal quarter of the anterolateral lower leg. Eight patients had the procedure either as a result of trauma (seven patients) or to treat Marjolin's ulcer (one patient). During the procedure, a line was drawn from the anterior fibular head to the anterior lateral malleolus. Then, using Doppler, a septocutaneous perforator from the fibular head to the proximal quarter point of the line was identified. The subfascial dissection was continued to the detected perforator. Along the perforator in the anterior intermuscular (peroneal) septum, a deep dissection was performed. The perforator was then separated and the flap harvested. The septocutaneous perforator was the perforator of the superficial peroneal nerve accessory artery in three cases, the perforator of the superior lateral peroneal artery in one case, and the perforator originating directly from the anterior tibial artery in four cases. Seven of eight cases were treated successfully. The results obtained were satisfactory, both aesthetically and functionally. This flap is a valuable alternative to the various perforator flaps from the lower leg. This flap has the advantage of being very thin, which makes it suitable for reconstruction of defects in the foot, ankle, pretibial area, and knee. However, one limitation of this procedure is that the diameter of the perforator was approximately 0.6-1.2 mm.
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Hospital, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea.
Nam Gyun
NG
Kim
Kyung Suk
KS
Lee
Tae Hyun
TH
Choi
Jun Sik
JS
Kim
Jae Hoon
JH
Choi
Pal Young
PY
Jang
Ki Hwan
KH
Han
Dae Gu
DG
Son
Jun Hyung
JH
Kim
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D016896:Treatment Outcome