A study on Local perforator flaps for lower extremity reconstruction: Defining the safe limit of the perforator flap in lower extremity reconstruction.

There are no guidelines as to the safe limit of the perforator flap. We make an attempt to define the safe limit of local perforator flap for lower limb reconstruction by comparing it with the limb length of the patient, which is a constant variable for a particular patient.35 below knee perforator flaps were included in the study and were based on a single islanded perforator. The maximum flap length from the perforator was compared to the limb length (from lateral malleolus to head of fibula). Using EPI info 6.04 D software, analysis of the data was done. Perforator propeller flaps with maximum flap length from the perforator equal to or less than one third of the limb length, are safe flaps. Whenever the expected maximum flap length: limb length ratio exceeds more than one third, it is better to look for other reconstructive options. This flap is a simple, safe and versatile procedure to cover moderate sized traumatic lower extremity wounds.

Dr.Nikhil Panse and Dr.Yogesh Bhatt are both board certified plastic surgeons with special interest in Perforator flaps and microsurgery.They have numerous national and international publications to their credit.