title: The management of decubitus ulcers by musculocutaneous flaps: a five-year experience.
abstract: Large decubitus ulcers can be treated by using many methods, including musculocutaneous flaps. Musculocutaneous flaps provide reliable, well-vascularized cover and often can be revised in patients with secondary recurrence. We have treated 30 patients with large decubitus ulcers during a 5-year period by using musculocutaneous advancement flaps of the gluteus maximus, the hamstring muscle, and the tensor fasciae latae. There were two complications treated by debridement with flap advancement in 1 patient and the use of another flap in the second patient. Four patients developed a recurrent ulcer, which was treated by reelevation and advancement of the original flap in all patients. The general management and overall results are presented.
authors.affiliation: Plastic Surgery Unit, Naval Hospital of Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Mandrekas
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Mastorakos
mesh_terms: D002081:Buttocks; D005206:Fascia Lata; D006615:Hip; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D009132:Muscles / Q000637:transplantation*; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013709:Tendon Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D014945:Wound Healing