Propeller Perforator Flaps in Distal Lower Leg:Evolution and Clinical Applications

Simple or complex defects in the lower leg, and especially in its distal third, continue to bea challenging task for reconstructive surgeons. A variety of flaps were used in the attemptto achieve excellence in form and function. After a long evolution of the reconstructivemethods, including random pattern flaps, axial pattern flaps, musculocutaneous flaps andfasciocutaneous flaps, the reappraisal of the works of Manchot and Salmon by Taylor andPalmer opened the era of perforator flaps. This era began in 1989, when Koshima and Soeda,and separately Kroll and Rosenfield described the first applications of such flaps. Perforatorflaps, whether free or pedicled, gained a high popularity due to their main advantages:decreasing donor-site morbidity and improving aesthetic outcome. The use as local perforatorflaps in lower leg was possible due to a better understanding of the cutaneous circulation, legvascular anatomy, angiosome and perforasome concepts, as well as innovations in flaps design.This review will describe the evolution, anatomy, flap design, and technique of the main distallypedicled propeller perforator flaps used in the reconstruction of defects in the distal third ofthe lower leg and foot.