INTRODUCTION: Terminal flap necrosis and flap retraction is a difficult problem faced by surgeons. These require some other flap for coverage of defect with limited local tissue availability. Flip flap puzzle flap is an option for small defect coverage using previous flap. METHODOLOGY: This flap is harvested from previous flap and raised at sub-dermal level. The flap is flipped 180° on itself to cover the defect. The residual area is finally covered with split skin graft. RESULTS: This is a prospective study conducted on 10 patients, with 9 flap survival and 1 flap failure. In 7 out of 10 cases partial graft failure was observed, but all the defects healed eventually. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This flap is a less morbid and rapid option for coverage of small sized defects. It has no donor site morbidity as flap is raised from the previously harvested flap.
INTRODUCTION: Terminal flap necrosis and flap retraction is a difficult problem faced by surgeons. These require some other flap for coverage of defect with limited local tissue availability. Flip flap puzzle flap is an option for small defect coverage using previous flap. METHODOLOGY: This flap is harvested from previous flap and raised at sub-dermal level. The flap is flipped 180° on itself to cover the defect. The residual area is finally covered with split skin graft. RESULTS: This is a prospective study conducted on 10 patients, with 9 flap survival and 1 flap failure. In 7 out of 10 cases partial graft failure was observed, but all the defects healed eventually. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This flap is a less morbid and rapid option for coverage of small sized defects. It has no donor site morbidity as flap is raised from the previously harvested flap.
Authors: Panagiotis Panagakos; Patrick McDonald; Nathan Norem; Howard Shapiro; Steven F Boc; Amit Mitra Journal: J Foot Ankle Surg Date: 2013-07-31 Impact factor: 1.286