Objective: Fasciocutaneous free flap based on the peroneal artery (boneless version) is an option in our practice for head and neck reconstruction. However, the associated donor-site morbidity has rarely been discussed. Thus, this study investigated the long-term patient-reported donor-site morbidity associated with peroneal flaps.
Methods: In this single-center, retrospective, observational study, 39 patients who underwent a free peroneal flap were enrolled. We evaluated donor-site morbidity with a modified questionnaire from Enneking et al. and Bodde et al.
Results: Patient-reported daily life limitation was relatively low (5/39; 12.9%). Donor-site morbidities, namely pain (4/39; 10.3%), sensory disturbance (9/39; 23.1%), and walking limitation (9/39; 23.1%) were reported; most were rated minimal in severity. Among patients with walking limitation, muscle weakness (3/39; 7.7%), ankle instability (6/39; 15.4%), and gait alternation (6/39; 15.4%) were reported. Six patients developed claw toe.
Conclusion: Balancing successful reconstruction and donor-site morbidity is challenging. This long-term patient-reported survey revealed that harvesting peroneal flaps resulted in minimal or minor donor-site morbidity with no obvious impacts on the patients' daily quality of life. Although free radial forearm flaps and anterolateral thigh flaps are standard, free peroneal flaps have been proven reliable, with acceptable donor-site morbidity.
Keywords: Donor-site morbidity; free flap; free tissue flaps; head and neck reconstruction; microsurgery; patient-reported outcome; perforator flap; peroneal fasciocutaneous flap.