Propeller Flaps in Lower Extremity Reconstruction

Propeller flaps represent an outstanding alternative to conventional pedicled and free flap options in lower extremity reconstruction, offering significant advantages over the latter. An understanding of the perforasome concept, hot and cold perforator locations, and basic flap design enable the surgeon to readily harvest flaps based on any clinically relevant perforator in freestyle fashion. The purpose of this article is to review fundamentals of propeller flap design and harvest in the lower extremity and discuss reconstructive strategies by level of injury.