Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
10:35
Novel Diagnostics in Revision Arthroplasty: Implant Sonication and Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
Published on: December 3, 2017
[Soft tissue healing in infected arthroplasty].
V Heppert1, P Thoele, A J Suda
1Abteilung für septische Chirurgie, Knochen-, Gelenk- und Protheseninfektionen, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Ludwigshafen, Ludwig-Guttmann-Str. 13, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany. volkmar.heppert@bgu-ludwigshafen.de
Operative Orthopadie Und Traumatologie
|June 11, 2013
Summary
Flaps provide excellent coverage for soft-tissue defects after arthroplasty removal due to infection. Both pedicled and free flaps demonstrate high survival rates (>90%) for reconstructing these complex wounds.
Area of Science:
- Reconstructive surgery
- Tissue engineering
- Orthopedic surgery
Context:
- Soft-tissue defects in the arthroplasty setting require well-vascularized tissue coverage.
- Infection necessitating arthroplasty removal presents a challenge for wound closure.
- Girdlestone procedures often result in significant soft tissue deficits and exposed bone.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy of musculocutaneous and fasciocutaneous flaps for soft-tissue defect coverage in the arthroplasty setting.
- To assess flap survival rates in patients with infected arthroplasty sites requiring flap reconstruction.
- To describe surgical techniques and postoperative management for flap coverage in complex orthopedic wounds.
Summary:
- Pedicled and free flaps are utilized for soft-tissue defect coverage, particularly after infected arthroplasty removal.
- Surgical techniques involve creating island flaps or free flaps with vascular pedicles for anastomosis.
- Postoperative management includes limb positioning and avoiding pedicle compression, with flaps achieving autonomy in approximately 3 weeks.
Impact:
- Achieving successful flap coverage (>90% survival) is crucial for managing infected arthroplasty sites and limb salvage.
- This reconstructive approach offers a viable solution for complex wounds where primary closure or local flaps are not feasible.
- Improved outcomes in soft-tissue reconstruction can lead to better functional recovery and reduced morbidity in patients undergoing Girdlestone procedures.
