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J Hand Microsurg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1768482
Original Article

Propeller Perforator Flaps Used for Hand and Digit Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

John Bovill 
1   Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, Dist. of Columbia, United States
,
Samuel Huffman
1   Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, Dist. of Columbia, United States
2   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, Dist. of Columbia, United States
,
Gina Cach
1   Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, Dist. of Columbia, United States
,
Zoe Haffner
1   Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, Dist. of Columbia, United States
,
Romina Deldar
2   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, Dist. of Columbia, United States
,
Areeg A. Abu El Hawa
3   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
,
Nicole Sgromolo
4   Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
5   The Curtis National Hand Center, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
,
Aviram M. Giladi
5   The Curtis National Hand Center, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Background Propeller perforator flaps (PPFs) have increased in popularity due to the freedom in design and ability to cover a variety of defects without sacrificing the major vessels. Present reports of PPFs for upper limb reconstruction have not provided guidance for hand reconstruction, specifically. This study aims to review the current literature and evaluate techniques for use of PPFs in hand reconstruction.

Methods A comprehensive literature review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for articles published from 1991 to 2021. The database search was queried for records using appropriate Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms. Studies reporting PPFs were limited to English language and excluded lower extremity or upper extremity reconstruction not specific to defects in the hand or digits. Study characteristics, patient demographics, indications, preoperative testing, flap characteristics, flap survival, and complication rates were collected.

Results Out of the initial 1,348 citations yielded, 71 underwent full-text review. Ultimately, 25 unique citations were included encompassing 12 retrospective reviews (48%), 3 prospective cohort studies (10%), and 10 case series (40%). In review, 525 patients underwent reconstruction with a total of 613 propeller flaps performed to repair defects of the hand, digits, or both with use of 18 unique flap types. Overall flap survival was 97.8%. Acute wounds accounted for 72.9% of performed reconstructions. The mean flap coverage was 14.7 cm2. Complications occurred in 19.8% of cases, with venous congestion and partial flap necrosis occurring in 5.5 and 6.5% of cases, respectively, leading to a flap failure rate of 2.1%.

Conclusion PPFs are a reliable option for hand or digital reconstruction, allowing surgeons to cover a variety of defects without sacrificing local vasculature. Despite nearly a 20% reported complication rate, nearly all flaps with venous congestion and partial flap necrosis included in these articles resolved without the need for secondary intervention, retaining an excellent overall flap survival.

Keywords

autologous reconstruction - finger - flaps - hand - propeller perforator flap


Publication History

Article published online:
05 June 2023

© 2023. Society of Indian Hand Surgery & Microsurgeons. All rights reserved.

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