Re-innovation of split lateral gastrocnemius muscle flap for complicated proximal tibia open fracture: Case report

Maintaining mobility and hence the productivity of individuals depends on the preservation of lower limb integrity. Increasing violence, mainly triggered by weapons, inversely impacts limb functionality, and the resulting wounds require proper care.

A 47-year-old African man without any previous medical conditions experienced an injury to his right leg from a high-speed accident, resulting in an open fracture in the upper third of the tibia with missing tissue. At first, he received care from orthopedic surgeons and had debridement done along with the use of an external fixation device to stabilize his limb. Two weeks later, he was referred to the plastic surgery unit and was preparing for urgent surgery. A split lateral gastrocnemius muscle flap was used to reconstruct him after a surgical debridement.

Proximal leg trauma can be managed successfully by rearrangement of local tissue, resulting in a perfect outcome with less donor site morbidity and a long, complex surgery compared to free tissue transfer. Gastrocnemius muscle or myocutaneous flap, is a gold standard for proximal leg trauma, mainly when a cavity exists, and it is able to create satisfactory reconstruction.

The split lateral gastrocnemius muscle flap is an effective modification of the flap, resulting in greater surface area coverage, less bulk and shape distortion, and reliable blood supply. Furthermore, it is easy to harvest and apply, deferring the need for step-curve microsurgical procedures.