The gluteus maximus musculocutaneous V-Y advancement flap for large sacral defects

Sacral soft tissue defects from 10 to 18 cm in diameter were closed with gluteus maximus musculocutaneous V-Y advancement flaps in 17 patients. Defects were secondary to pressure, radiation injury, or tumor resection and occurred in both ambulatory and nonambulatory patients. Technique varied according to the size of the ulcer and the ambulatory status. This musculocutaneous unit advanced in a V-Y fashion provides well-vascularized tissue for coverage of large sacral defects. It allows for restoration of normal contour, with primary closure of the donor site. Ambulatory patients noticed little or no functional deficit.