A clinical study of propeller flap – for resurfacing of leg

In the era of microvascular surgery, defects of distal third of leg still continue to be waterloo of plastic surgeons to provide a functional, durable and stable cover. Propeller flaps are a reliable source of ‘like with like’ soft tissue replacement. A prospective clinical study on propeller flaps was made between January 2020 to March 2021, in patients with soft-tissue defects of the middle and distal third of the leg. A total of 50 patients were studied and followed up for 12 months. During follow up, venous congestion was found to be the most common complication, observed in 12 patients (24%). Other complications were marginal necrosis of flap seen in 6% patients and suture line dehiscence was seen in 2% of patients. All the patients were followed up for 12 months post-operatively. Propeller flaps are pedicled flaps with a short learning curve, which are more reliable with better cosmetic appearance. They can be elevated based on all three major vessels of lower limb. They are excellent reconstructive option for coverage of leg defects and provide results comparable to that of free flaps.