The osteocutaneous SCIP flap: A detailed description of the surgical technique and retrospective cohort study of consecutive cases in a tertiary European centre.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: In the era of increasing popularity of the superficial circumflex iliac perforator (SCIP) flap, osteocutaneous variants of the flap have been described as well. Despite their benefits such as customizability and low donor site morbidity, these flaps have not yet gained broad acceptance. By reviewing our case series, we aim to promote the safe application of this promising new tool in osteoplastic reconstructions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a single-centre, retrospective chart review of all cases in which osteocutaneous SCIP-flaps were used. We describe our surgical technique and present the surgical, functional and aesthetic outcomes of the patients in our cohort. RESULTS: Since September 2019, we have used osteocutaneous SCIP flaps in six patients, five in the extremities and one for the head and neck region. The vascularised bone segment was measured on average 4.9 cm (range 4-7 cm) x 3 cm (range 1.5-4 cm) and was combined with a skin paddle of a mean length of 14.3 cm (range 8-20 cm) and width of 6.3 cm (range 5-8 cm). One flap underwent emergency revision due to venous congestion. All flaps survived and healed uneventfully. Long-term follow-up shows adequate bony integration and stable soft tissue coverage with good functional restoration and minimal donor site morbidity. CONCLUSION: The osteocutaneous SCIP flap provides a large and thin skin island and a "moderately sized" vascularised bone segment with minimal donor site morbidity and can be successfully used in selected cases of osteoplastic reconstruction.