Use of the vastus medialis perforator flap to treat defects around the knee

Background and aim: Soft tissue reconstruction around the knee joint is usually complex for reconstructive surgeons. Defects in this area are largely caused by trauma, chronic infection, tumor, and surgical infection. This article presents the experience of using the vastus medialis perforator flap for reconstruction. Materials and methods: A total of 28 patients who had undergone reconstructive surgeries at the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, from December 2010 to December 2015 were enrolled. Age, sex, defect size, comorbidity, etiology, flap size, complication, follow-up, and postoperative range of knee joint were recorded and analyzed through a retrospective chart review. Results: All 28 flaps survived. In all, 22 of the 28 patients achieved full functional range of motion by the third month. Two patients had a 10° limitation in knee extension and four cases had restricted knee flexion. Necrosis occurred in five cases; three were partial necrosis and two were superficial necrosis. Two patients were healed using conservative treatment, and the remaining three cases were reconstructed with a full-thickness skin graft in two and directly sutured after debridement in one. All patients were satisfied with their aesthetic and functional results. Conclusion: The vastus medialis perforator flap is a reliable option for reconstructing soft tissue defects around the knee.