Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defects Around the Knee With Pedicled Perforator Flaps

Purpose To study the availability and effects for application of 4 kinds of perforator flaps in repairing skin and soft tissue defects in different positions around the knee joints. Methods The present study included 26 cases (16 males and 10 females) with soft tissue defects with ages from 7 to 82 years who came to our hospital during September 2012 to August 2016. The wound size ranged from 6 × 3 cm to 15 × 12 cm, and the exposed area ranged from 4 × 2 cm to 10 × 8 cm. Patients were treated with different perforator flaps (descending genicular artery perforator flap, sural neurocutaneous flap, lateral superior genicular artery perforator flap, and lateral popliteal artery perforator flap) and were followed up for 6 months. Results All the transplanted flaps survived well without advent events. Exposed bone, ligament, and skin and soft tissue defects healed well. In the early period, flaps were locally bloated. In the later period, the appearance of flaps was good and close to normal, with abrasion-resistant surfaces. All patients were satisfied with the flap appearance and functional recovery. No secondary necrosis, ulcers, deep infection, or nonunion of bone occurred during the follow-up. Conclusions These 4 kinds of perforator flaps are available methods to repair the skin and soft tissue defects around the knee joints. Suitable perforator flaps should be chosen for different locations of wounds. Level of Evidence Therapeutic study, level IV.