Extensive calcific myonecrosis of the lower leg treated with free tissue transfer

Abstract

Calcific myonecrosis is a rare condition in which hypoperfusion due to compartment syndrome causes soft tissue and muscle to become calcified. As calcific myonecrosis gradually deteriorates, secretions steadily accumulate inside the affected area, forming a cavity that is vulnerable to infection. Most such cases progress to chronic wounds that are unlikely to heal spontaneously. After removing the calcified tissue, the wound can be treated by primary clo-sure, flap coverage, or a skin graft. In this case, a 72-year-old man had extensive calcific myo-necrosis on his left lower leg, and experienced swelling and increasing tenderness. After removing the muscle calcification, we combined two anterolateral thigh free flaps, which were harvested from the patient’s right and left thigh, respectively, to reconstruct the wound with a dead-space filler and skin-defect cover at the same time. The patient recovered without revision surgery or major complications.