Objective: To explore the feasibility of the propeller flap withadipofascial tissue based on peroneal artery perforator for repairing the wound with a dead space in foot and ankle.
Methods: Between January 2013 to December 2014,12 wounds with a dead space in foot and ankle were treated with the propeller flap with adipofascial tissue based on peroneal artery perforator after thorough debridement. The adipofascial tissue was used to fill the dead space, the propeller flap was used to cover the superficial wound. The defect at donor site was closed directly.
Results: The size of the propeller flap based on peroneal artery perforator ranged from 4 cm × 10 cm to 7 cm × 16 cm, the size of the adipofascial flap ranged from 2 cm × 4 cm to 5 cm × 7 cm. All flaps survived completely and the wounds healed primarily. The defects at donor sites got primary healing without complications. All patients were followed up for 5 to 21 months with an average of 8 months without recurrence of infection during the follow-up period. The appearance, texture, and color of the flaps were similar to those of the recipient sites. Good function of ankle was achieved.
Conclusions: The propeller flap with adipofascial tissue based on peroneal artery perforator is a good option for reconstruction of foot and ankle wounds with dead space.