Introduction
Perforator arteries raised from muscles and intermuscular septum are generally protected in
burn injuries. Thus, pedicled perforator flaps are considered more reliable than conventional
flaps in burn reconstruction. The role of pedicled perforator flaps changes according to injury
timing. In the acute phase of injury (first 21 days), pedicled perforator flaps are used to cover
exposed neurovascular and musculoskeletal systems. In the late phase of burn injuries, they
are used to correct burn-related complications such as contractures and persistent defects. In
this study, we present our experience with pedicled perforator flaps in both the acute and
chronic phases of burn injury.

Material and Methods
Between 2017 and 2020, our center performed 25 pedicled perforator flap procedures in 20
patients (17 men/3 women) for burn injury reconstruction. Of the 25 total pedicled perforator
flaps, 4 were utilized for acute defects and 21 were performed during the late phase of injury.
In the acute phase, the main indication was to cover exposed vessels. In the late phase, 16 of
the 21 flaps were used to cover defects (burn scar contracture release in axilla, neck, popliteal,
and antecubital region), 2 were used to cover pressure ulcers due to prolonged hospitalization,
and 2 were used for persistent defects in the extremities.
Results
Average age of patients was 34 years (range, 28- 62 years). Our success rate with pedicled
perforator flaps was 88%, with 2 total losses (1 supraclavicular artery perforator flap, 1

superior epigastric artery perforator flap) and 1 partial necrosis (superior gluteal artery
perforator flap) encountered in the late phase in flap with 180-degree rotation arc.

Conclusion
The role of pedicled perforator flaps vary depending on the timing of burn injuries. We found
that pedicled perforator flaps were a reliable reconstruction option in both acute and late
phases of burn injury.

P.122 The effect of post-injury duration on perforator flap success

Dear friends and colleagues,

We will be pleased to welcome you in Turin (Italy) for the 19th European Burns Association´s Congress in 2022. Italy is honored to hold the meeting of the European Burns Association for the second time, after Verona in 1995. Turin is easily reachable from everywhere in Europe, either travelling by car, train or choosing flight connections. During the meeting, held in the renewed industrial center of the main Italian historical automotive factory (i.e. Lingotto-FIAT), we will meet international burn specialists, focusing on standards of care, progresses in burn treatment, strategies to face disaster situations, with a special attention to education of younger colleagues. However, in your spare time, you might enjoy the sweet days of Italian late summer, simply wandering in the green parks and gardens along the two rivers which cross the city, or you might decide to discover the numerous art galleries, churches, palaces, libraries, walking across elegant squares and large boulevards, passing through centuries of art and history; finally, you may choose to immerse yourself in some of the most exciting museum experiences, such as the Cinema Museum and the Turin’s Egyptian museum.

Looking forward to seeing you all in Turin for the 19th European Association´s Congress in 2022!
Maurizio Stella, Congress President, Turin Burn Centre