Pedicled lower extremity fillet flap for coverage of massive pelvic wounds.
Fillet flaps are traditionally harvested from nonsalvagable extremities to reconstruct complex soft tissue defects. This method results in minimal donor site morbidity, and can be effective in reconstructing large pelvic wounds requiring significant soft tissue coverage. Here, we present their application in three young patients with extensive pelvic wounds secondary to trauma and its sequelae. In each case, neurologic injury limited limb function, and fillet flaps were used to fill soft tissue defects and pad bony prominences. The fillet flaps have been successful in providing wound coverage in all cases, and have all remained intact to date, with a mean follow up time of 29 months. These results demonstrate a role for fillet flaps in the management challenging pelvic wounds, as they can provide both satisfactory tissue coverage and improved functional outcomes.
Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Division of Plastic Surgery, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.
Christine M
CM
Jones
Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Division of Plastic Surgery, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.
Alannah L
AL
Phelan
Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Division of Plastic Surgery, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA. Electronic address: tsamson@hmc.psu.edu.
Thomas D
TD
Samson
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D005360:Fibula / Q000293:injuries*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000209:etiology*; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D010388:Pelvis / Q000293:injuries*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013977:Tibia / Q000293:injuries*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Fillet flap; Lower extremity trauma; Massive pelvic wounds; Pelvic reconstruction; Pelvic trauma