Reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the Achilles tendon with rotation flaps, pedicled propeller flaps and free perforator flaps

Abstract

Pedicled perforator flaps as propeller flaps add options to the armamentarium of microsurgeons. Despite thorough preoperative planning the surgeons must be prepared to perform a different method of reconstruction if inadequate vessels are encountered. To limit additional donor site morbidity, local options are preferred. The free peroneal artery perforator flap represents a good option as it matches the original tissue properties closely. The complication rate of propeller flaps in this series is tolerable. Propeller flaps should therefore be considered an alternative but not as a replacement of local fasciocutaneous flaps.