title: Propeller Flaps and Its Outcomes - A Prospective Study of 15 Cases Over Two-years.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cover flaps are needed in management of any bodily defect involving bone, tendon, nerve & vessels. The major objective of a plastic surgeon, facing a complex soft-tissue defect, is to replace "like with like" tissues at minimal donor site "cost" and with maximal accuracy & efficacy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To study the "Propeller Flaps" utility in reconstructive surgeries, evaluate its planning and complications involving donor site morbidity.
  
  
  METHODS
  The prospective study was conducted on 15 cases (11 males/4 females) of propeller flaps during the period of two years (2010-12) in Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI), Karnataka, India. The propeller flaps were performed in cases with defects due to any cause.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cases with Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD). Flaps were performed and details recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall results revealed problem resolution in 87% cases (13 cases). Comprehensive description of each flap type and its related cases are given in the table. It has been categorically found that there were 2 flap partial losses. Partial necrosis has been reported in heavy-smoker patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This current study clearly justifies that careful application, optimal designing & judicious scientific application of local perforator flaps for lower-limb wounds including rest of the body is successful in many aspects providing high-quality reconstruction ensuring minimal morbidity. It is cost-effective as well as time-saving.
authors.affiliation: Assosciate Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute , Karnataka, India .
authors.forename: Ramesha
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: K T
authors.affiliation: Post Graduate Student, Department of Plastic Surgery, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute , Karnataka, India .
authors.forename: Vijay
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: J
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute , Karnataka, India .
authors.forename: Shankarappa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: M
keywords: Perforator Pedicled Propeller (PPP) Flap ligament; Propeller Flaps; Subcutaneous Pedicled Propeller (SPP) Flap