L Vaienti1, G M Calori2, F Leone1, M Brioschi1, P C Parodi3, A Marchesi4. 1. Dipartimento di Chirurgia Plastica Ricostruttiva, I.R.C.C.S. Policlinico San Donato, Università degli Studi di Milano, San Donato Milanese, MI, Italy. 2. Orthopaedic Reparative Surgery Department, Orthopaedic Institute Gaetano Pini, University of Milan, Italy. 3. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Udine, Udine 33010, Italy. 4. Dipartimento di Chirurgia Plastica Ricostruttiva, I.R.C.C.S. Policlinico San Donato, Università degli Studi di Milano, San Donato Milanese, MI, Italy. Electronic address: ilmarchesiandrea@gmail.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Defects of the Achilles tendon region still represent a tricky issue in lower limb surgery. Among the several reconstructive possibilities, local propeller perforator flaps have gained popularity in the last decade. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report our experience with eight patients affected by small-to-moderate soft-tissue defects of the Achilles tendon region, who underwent surgical reconstruction with local flaps based on posterior tibial perforator branches. RESULTS: All patients healed successfully in terms of aesthetic and functional aspect. In only one case a transient venous congestion was observed and this resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: Although the surgical technique requires much care and skill, including an extremely gentle dissection of perforator vessels, local propeller flaps should be considered the first-line choice for reconstruction in small-to-medium size soft-tissue defects in the Achilles region.
BACKGROUND: Defects of the Achilles tendon region still represent a tricky issue in lower limb surgery. Among the several reconstructive possibilities, local propeller perforator flaps have gained popularity in the last decade. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report our experience with eight patients affected by small-to-moderate soft-tissue defects of the Achilles tendon region, who underwent surgical reconstruction with local flaps based on posterior tibial perforator branches. RESULTS: All patients healed successfully in terms of aesthetic and functional aspect. In only one case a transient venous congestion was observed and this resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: Although the surgical technique requires much care and skill, including an extremely gentle dissection of perforator vessels, local propeller flaps should be considered the first-line choice for reconstruction in small-to-medium size soft-tissue defects in the Achilles region.
Authors: Pedro Oliveira Portilho; Tulio Fabiano de Oliveira Leite; Ricardo Cardoso; Lucas Alves Sarmento Pires; Julio Guilherme Silva; Carlos Alberto Araujo Chagas Journal: J Vasc Bras Date: 2016 Jul-Sep