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.
['Jones|Christine M|CM|', 'Phelan|Alannah L|AL|', 'Samson|Thomas D|TD|']
D000063:Accidents, Traffic D000328:Adult D005360:Fibula D050723:Fractures, Bone D005597:Fractures, Open D006801:Humans D035002:Lower Extremity D008297:Male D010388:Pelvis D019651:Reconstructive Surgical Procedures D012189:Retrospective Studies D012307:Risk Factors D013524:Surgical Flaps D013977:Tibia D016896:Treatment Outcome
Fillet flap Massive pelvic wounds Lower extremity trauma Pelvic reconstruction Pelvic trauma