Reverse neurocutaneous vs propeller perforator flaps in diabetic foot reconstruction.

Introduction Reverse neurocutaneous and propeller perforator flaps are both used to reconstruct diabetic distal lower limb defects. Our study aims to compare outcomes between these two groups of flaps with an emphasis on indications and complication rates. Method A retrospective analysis was conducted, reviewing data from 54 diabetic patients who underwent reconstruction of acute or chronic wounds of the foot and ankle between 2005-2018. Thirty-four patients (Group A) had a reverse neurocutaneous flap (NCF): nineteen sural and fifteen lateral supramalleolar flaps. Twenty patients (Group B) had a propeller flap (PF) based on peroneal (n = 13) or posterior tibial artery perforators (n = 7). All patients had a preoperative Doppler examination to identify the nutrient artery of the flap. In both groups, we recorded patients' demographics, characteristics of the defect, postoperative complications and time to heal. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 59 months. Student's t-test and chi-squared test were used for statistical analysis. Results Mean patients' age was 59.1 and 50.8 years for Group A and B, respectively. Defects were located at the Achilles zone (n = 16), posterior heel (n = 14), foot dorsum (n = 9), lateral and medial malleolar areas (n = 8), anterior ankle (n = 5) and lateral foot (n = 2). Mean size of the defect was 42.8 cm

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Declaration of Competing Interest None.