The outcomes of peroneal artery perforator-based propeller flaps for the treatment of infected lateral malleolar bursitis

Abstract

Purpose: Infected malleolar bursitis sometimes requires multiple debridements, followed by soft tissue reconstruction with a flap. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with infected lateral malleolar bursitis who were treated using peroneal artery perforator-based propeller flaps.

Methods: We retrospectively included 10 patients who underwent reconstruction of the lateral malleolus with a peroneal artery perforator-based propeller flap due to infected lateral malleolar bursitis between 2014 and 2022.

Results: The average follow-up time was 77.2 weeks. Six patients experienced complete healing; three developed partial flap necrosis, and one had a long-lasting seroma. All patients with complications had long-term diabetes.

Conclusion: Partial flap necrosis in patients with diabetes may occur because of impaired microcirculation. A peroneal artery perforator-based propeller flap could be useful for soft tissue reconstruction in select patients without diabetes or in patients with diabetes who have infected lateral malleolar bursitis.