AUTHOR=Chen Guangmou , Liao Zhidong , Ruan Guoqiang , Chen Huirun , Lv Guihe , Cai Jiashang , Chen Jin , Liang Bo 

TITLE=Therapeutic efficacy of superficial vein-anastomosed spiral propeller flap in elderly patients with foot and ankle soft tissue defects

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Surgery

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/surgery/articles/10.3389/fsurg.2025.1629340

DOI=10.3389/fsurg.2025.1629340

ISSN=2296-875X

ABSTRACT=BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of superficial vein anastomoses spiral propeller flaps in improving venous return and reducing postoperative complications for elderly patients with foot and ankle soft tissue defects.MethodsA prospective study involving 15 elderly patients (65–90 years) underwent spiral propeller flap repair between 2020 and 2021. Flap perfusion, swelling, venous patency (Doppler ultrasound), and ankle function (AOFAS score) were assessed.ResultsAll flaps survived, with 2 cases of distal superficial necrosis healing after dressing. Postoperative swelling improved from Grade II (n = 10) to Grade I (n = 13) at 6 months. AOFAS scores showed 86.7% excellent/good outcomes.ConclusionVenous anastomosis in spiral propeller flaps significantly enhances flap survival and functional recovery in elderly patients with comorbidities.