Pedicled gastrocnemius flap in complicated total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Background and Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of complicated total knee arthroplasty operations treated with radical wound revision and a pedicled gastrocnemius muscle flap. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis in a university hospital during a five-year-period. Results: Wound revision, debridement of the knee joint, replacing tibial plastics and a unilateral pedicled gastrocnemius muscle flap operation was performed to 10 patients after complicated total knee arthroplasty. After a median follow up time of 11.5 months 8/10 total knee arthroplasty joints were saved. Conclusions: As much as 80% of patients could save their knee joint with this treatment protocol. Treatment of this problem needs good collaboration with orthopaedic and plastic surgeons.