Case series: soleo-gastrocnemius muscle flap in patients with defects of soft tissue-lower limbs

Abstract

Background: Bone exposure can be the consequence of open or closed traumatic fractures with complications, as well as secondary to infectious processes. The coverage of the lower limb with a skin defect is based on the preservation of blood and nerve perfusion to promote bone consolidation and thus the salvage of the limb. Clinical case description: The reconstruction with a pedunculated rotational muscle flap of the soleus and/ or gastrocnemius is described in 16 patients with complications associated with exposed fractures in the lower limbs with soft tissue defects and loss of skin coverage, performed in the Orthopedics and Traumatology at the Escuela Hospital during the period 2012- 2015. A soleus flap was placed in 50.0% (8/16) and gastrocnemius in 50.0% (8/16). Surgically and functionally qualified therapeutic success was 87.5% (14/16). Conclusion: With the reconstruction technique performed on these patients, it was possible to reduce the frequency of complications and therefore avoid amputation of the affected limb.