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Ischial pressure sores: Reconstruction using the perforator‐based reverse flow musculocutaneous 180° propeller flap
Author(s) -
Jakubietz Rafael G.,
Jakubietz Michael G.,
Jakubietz Danni F.,
Koehler Guido,
Zeplin Phillip H.,
Meffert Rainer H.,
Schmidt Karsten
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.031
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1098-2752
pISSN - 0738-1085
DOI - 10.1002/micr.20678
Subject(s) - medicine , surgery , pressure sores , propeller , osteomyelitis , wound dehiscence , soft tissue , dehiscence , hematoma , anatomy , geology , oceanography
Abstract The treatment of pressure sores requires soft tissue reconstruction with thick tissue to provide padding of bony prominences and obliterate dead space. Fasciocutaneous flaps may not provide adequate bulk. Propeller flaps (180°) based on perforators from the gluteal artery may be harvested as a reverse flow musculocutaneous flap including a muscle plug to reconstruct deep cavities. Three patients presenting with deep pressure sores required reconstruction of large cavities. In addition to a regular 180° propeller flap, a muscle plug based on a perforator found in the blade of the propeller was used to add bulk to the flap and obliterate the cavity with well‐vascularized tissue. One flap required secondary closure of the donor site due to dehiscence, one hematoma required drainage. All flaps survived completely. No recurrence of osteomyelitis or pressure sores was seen. The 180° propeller flap can be harvested as a reverse flow musculocutaneous flap including a muscle plug in the distal blade. This adds volume which is required to adequately obliterate large cavities in cases of osteomyelitis. This new technique may be useful in other areas as well. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 2009.