Applications of the posterior thigh flap
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C Paletta1, T Bartell, S Shehadi
1Division of Plastic Surgery, St Louis University Hospital, MO 63110.
Insights
The posterior thigh flap offers reliable soft tissue coverage for pressure sores, particularly in trochanteric and ischial wounds. This surgical technique provides a dependable blood supply for complex wound management in at-risk populations.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Aging population and spinal cord injuries increase pressure sore incidence.
- Elderly, long-term hospital patients, and neurologically impaired individuals are at high risk.
- Pressure sores present a significant challenge in wound care and patient recovery.
Observation:
- The posterior thigh flap was developed from experience with lower extremity muscle flaps.
- Twenty-two posterior thigh flaps were utilized in 21 patients.
- The flap demonstrated reliability and a dependable blood supply.
Findings:
- The posterior thigh flap is effective for soft tissue coverage of trochanteric, ischial, and sacral wounds.
- It serves as a reliable pedicled flap for managing heel and foot wounds.
- Anatomical details and clinical applications of the flap are presented.
Implications:
- This flap provides a valuable reconstructive option for challenging pressure sore defects.
- It can improve outcomes for patients requiring coverage in difficult-to-treat lower extremity and truncal areas.
- Further research into flap variations and long-term outcomes may enhance its utility.
Abstract:
As our population ages and spinal cord injuries continue at their present rate due to motor vehicle accidents and handgun injuries, the development of pressure sores will most likely increase in frequency. The three major populations at risk to develop pressure sores include the elderly, long-term hospital patients, and neurologically impaired patients. the posterior thigh flap evolved during our experience with the lower extremity muscle flaps. We have used 22 posterior thigh flaps in 21 patients. We have found that it is a reliable flap with a dependable blood supply that can be used in the soft tissue coverage of trochanteric, ischial, and some sacral wounds. In addition, the posterior thigh flap can be used as a pedicled flap in the management of heel and foot wounds. In this review, the anatomy and application of the posterior thigh flap are elaborated.