The Freestyle Multiperforator Island Flap: Beyond the Keystone Flap.

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to introduce freestyle multiperforator island flaps as a technical advancement beyond keystone perforator flaps. These flaps represent a fully free-design approach, supplied by multiperforators in small subcutaneous pedicles randomly located, allowing for customized designs tailored to anatomical regions of diverse complexity.

Methods: We present a retrospective cohort study of 150 patients with coverage defects, without distinction of anatomical location or age, treated between 2012 and 2021. The study assessed the clinical presentation, flap characteristics, additional procedures, and postoperative outcomes. We used the chi-square test to assess the relationship between pedicle area size and the incidence of partial or complete necrosis.

Results: We performed 211 flaps on 184 defects, with a mean follow-up of 8.7 months. Tumors (30.4%) and trauma (23.3%) were the most common etiologies. Most flaps were performed on the head and neck (31%) and lower limbs (30.4%). The mean pedicle area was 33%, and the flap-to-defect size ratio was between 1:1 and 3:1 in 82% of cases. Complications occurred in 29.8% of the flaps, with only 8.1% needing surgical reintervention. The most common occurrences were dehiscence (18.5%), partial necrosis (9%), and total necrosis (1.9%). The pedicle area of the flap did not demonstrate a statistically significant relationship with the necrosis outcome (P = 0.813; 95% confidence interval, 0.17-0.926).

Conclusions: Freestyle multiperforator island flaps are a safe and versatile tool with low necrosis rates, excellent aesthetic results, and unmatched cost-effectiveness.