Reconstruction of Posttraumatic Distal Limb Defects With Free Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap.

Abstract

Introduction: Soft tissue defects in the distal limbs are common after traumatic injury. Repairing such defects is challenging because of the lack of adjacent soft tissue for direct closure or use of a local flap, and functional and aesthetic issues are more prominent in the hands and feet. Thin, unbulky free tissue transfer is ideal for achieving functional and aesthetically pleasing reconstructions. This study reports the use of free superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap to reconstruct posttraumatic distal limb defect.

Patients and methods: Thirteen patients with distal limb defects following traumatic injury underwent microsurgical reconstruction with SCIP flap between 2017 and 2022. The defects were located in the upper extremities in 8 patients and lower extremities in 5 patients. Flap thinning was performed to minimize bulkiness, thus restoring functionality and an aesthetically satisfactory appearance.

Results: The patients' average age was 39.8 ± 15.3 years. The average flap size was 13.5 ± 3.4 × 6.7 ± 1.5 cm, and the average pedicle length was 5.2 ± 1.3 cm. Two flaps failed because of unsalvageable venous thrombosis, whereas 2 flaps had salvageable vessel thrombosis. Other flaps survived without major complications. During the average follow-up duration of 7.4± 4.8 months, the functional and aesthetic outcomes were satisfactory after an average of 1 ± 1.2 times of flap revisions.

Conclusions: With a thin skin paddle, SCIP flap is an available option for posttraumatic distal limb defect reconstruction without much effort of further revisions.