title: Flap reconstruction of the knee: A review of current concepts and a proposed algorithm.
abstract: A literature search focusing on flap knee reconstruction revealed much controversy regarding the optimal management of around the knee defects. Muscle flaps are the preferred option, mainly in infected wounds. Perforator flaps have recently been introduced in knee coverage with significant advantages due to low donor morbidity and long pedicles with wide arc of rotation. In the case of free flap the choice of recipient vessels is the key point to the reconstruction. Taking the published experience into account, a reconstructive algorithm is proposed according to the size and location of the wound, the presence of infection and/or 3-dimensional defect.
authors.affiliation: Andreas Gravvanis, Antonios Kyriakopoulos, Dimosthenis Tsoutsos, Department of Plastic Surgery-Microsurgery and Burn Center, General State Hospital of Athens "G Gennimatas", 15343 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gravvanis
authors.affiliation: Andreas Gravvanis, Antonios Kyriakopoulos, Dimosthenis Tsoutsos, Department of Plastic Surgery-Microsurgery and Burn Center, General State Hospital of Athens "G Gennimatas", 15343 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Antonios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kyriakopoulos
authors.affiliation: Andreas Gravvanis, Antonios Kyriakopoulos, Dimosthenis Tsoutsos, Department of Plastic Surgery-Microsurgery and Burn Center, General State Hospital of Athens "G Gennimatas", 15343 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Konstantinos
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kateros
authors.affiliation: Andreas Gravvanis, Antonios Kyriakopoulos, Dimosthenis Tsoutsos, Department of Plastic Surgery-Microsurgery and Burn Center, General State Hospital of Athens "G Gennimatas", 15343 Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Dimosthenis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tsoutsos
keywords: Free flap; Knee reconstruction; Local flap; Pedicled flap; Recipient vessels