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Updated: Mar 7, 2026
Engineered Vascularized Muscle Flap
Published on: January 11, 2016
Reconstruction of Stage IV Pressure Ulcers Using Delayed Flaps in a Pediatric Patient With Spinal Cord Injury: A Case
Audrey Ulfers1, Genevieve Messa1, Kory Imbrescia2
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, USA.
Insights
Reconstructing pressure ulcers in pediatric patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) requires specialized surgical techniques. Delayed fasciocutaneous flaps offer a viable option for reconstruction, preserving essential muscle function.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Pediatric Surgery
- Spinal Cord Injury Research
Background:
- Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a significant complication in pediatric patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).
- Reconstruction of large PUs, especially in children with SCI, presents unique surgical challenges to minimize functional deficits.
- Stage IV PUs require complex reconstructive strategies.
Abstract:
Reconstructing pressure ulcers (PUs) in pediatric patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) requires careful surgical planning to minimize functional loss. This case report presents a seven-year-old female patient with a complete T3 SCI and paraplegia who developed large stage IV PUs over the bilateral anterolateral hips. Reconstruction of the right hip was successfully performed using a delayed fasciocutaneous flap based on the superficial inferior epigastric artery/vein (SIEA/SIEV), which was selected as an alternative to a traditional musculocutaneous flap to minimize core muscle function loss for the patient. The positive outcome of the present case demonstrates the potential of delayed flaps for reconstructing large wounds while preserving muscle function in pediatric patients with SCI.
