Reconstruction of Spinal Soft Tissue Defects With Perforator Flaps From the Paraspinal Region.
BACKGROUND/AIM
Reconstruction of spinal soft tissue defects is challenging, especially when neural structures or prosthetic material are exposed. They should be covered with well-vascularized tissue such as paraspinal perforator flaps.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
This is a retrospective study of soft tissue reconstructions with paraspinal perforator flaps from 2011 to 2018. The technique is described and risk factors for poor wound healing were assessed. Postoperative complications are reported.


RESULTS
Twenty patients with a mean age of 63.65 years were included. Defects had an average size of 47 cm2 and were mainly located in the lumbosacral region (9 patients). Twelve patients suffered from infection following spinal stabilization, seven of whom were diagnosed with osteomyelitis, two patients presented with pressure sore and one patient experienced wound dehiscence. One partial flap necrosis with a lumbar defect occurred, which required revision surgery. No total flap loss occurred. Stable, closed wounds were achieved at their final follow-up.


CONCLUSION
Perforator paraspinal flaps are suitable for immediate reconstruction of spinal defects.
['DI Summa|Pietro G|PG|', 'Largo|René D|RD|', 'Ismail|Tarek|T|', 'Tremp|Mathias|M|', 'Lunger|Alexander|A|', 'Wettstein|Reto|R|', 'Krähenbühl|Swenn Maxence|SM|', 'Giordano|Salvatore|S|', 'Schaefer|Dirk J|DJ|', 'Schaeren|Stefan|S|', 'Kalbermatten|Daniel F|DF|']
D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D061525:Perforator Flap D019651:Reconstructive Surgical Procedures D012307:Risk Factors D013124:Spinal Injuries D016896:Treatment Outcome
osteomyelitis Dorsal midline defect fasciocutaneous flaps