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Modified vastus lateralis flap in treating a difficult hip infection
Kuo-Chin Huang1, Kuo-Ti Peng, Yen-Yao Li
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Chia-Yi, Pu-Tz City, Taiwan. kc2672@adm.cgmh.org.tw
The Journal of Trauma
|December 20, 2005
Summary
A modified vastus lateralis flap transposition effectively treats difficult hip infections in medically ill patients. This surgical technique provides reliable soft-tissue coverage and dead space filling, leading to successful infection control and wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Infectious Disease Management
Background:
- Difficult-to-treat hip infections pose significant reconstructive challenges for orthopedic surgeons.
- Treatment requires individualized plans considering systemic and local factors.
- A modified vastus lateralis flap transposition was developed for medically ill patients with compromised hip wounds.
Observation:
- Ten patients with difficult hip infections, who had failed previous treatments, underwent radical debridement followed by modified vastus lateralis flap transposition.
- The average follow-up period was 17.4 months.
- All patients had previously undergone multiple failed surgical interventions.
Findings:
- The modified vastus lateralis flap transposition successfully controlled hip infections in all 10 patients.
- Wound healing was uneventful, with no need for additional soft-tissue procedures.
- C-reactive protein levels normalized within one month; one patient developed an iliopsoas abscess nine months post-procedure without technique-related morbidity or mortality.
Implications:
- This technique offers a simple and effective solution for refractory, limb-threatening hip infections in complex patient populations.
- It serves as a valuable method for soft-tissue coverage and dead space obliteration in challenging orthopedic cases.
- The procedure demonstrates a favorable safety profile with successful outcomes in high-risk patients.