Bilateral Knee Soft-tissue Reconstruction after High-voltage Electrical Burn Injuries
Alejandro Déniz Martínez1, Natalia Santamaría Córdoba1, David G Ayala Parra1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Simón Bolívar Hospital Burns Unit, Bogotá DC, Colombia; and Pontifical Xavierian University, Bogotá DC, Colombia.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open
|March 13, 2023
Summary
A pedicled medial sural artery perforator flap effectively reconstructed extensive knee soft-tissue damage from an electrical burn. This method offers a reliable option for rapid rehabilitation and good aesthetic results in electrical injury cases.
Area of Science:
- Reconstructive surgery
- Microsurgery
- Burn management
Background:
- Electrical burn injuries often cause extensive soft-tissue damage, posing significant reconstructive challenges.
- Traditional reconstructive methods may have limitations in addressing the unique defects caused by high-voltage electrical injuries.
Observation:
- A 21-year-old male patient sustained severe bilateral knee soft-tissue damage due to a high-voltage electrical discharge.
- The injury necessitated a complex reconstructive approach to restore function and form.
Findings:
- Simultaneous reconstruction using a pedicled medial sural artery perforator flap was performed.
- The flap provided an easily adjustable skin island, facilitating patient rehabilitation.
- Mild complications were noted, but the overall outcome was satisfactory in terms of function and aesthetics.
Implications:
- This case highlights the significant potential of the medial sural artery perforator flap for reconstructing electrical burn injuries.
- The findings suggest this flap is a reliable and effective option, even in cases with limited prior recognition for such applications.
- Further research into flap versatility for electrical burn reconstruction is warranted.
