An Exploration of the Method for Repairing Knee Joint Trauma-Induced Skin Defects with a Saphenous Flap

Abstract

The present study aimed to explore the methods and clinical outcomes of repairing skin defects caused by knee joint trauma with a saphenous flap. Fifteen patients with skin and soft tissue defects after knee joint trauma received saphenous flap transposition, and the rotation axis point of the pedicle and transposition method were modified. The flap was transposed through a “semi-open tunnel” using a subcutaneous tissue pedicle and by parallel “bilobed” flap transposition through an “open tunnel.” The whole flap survived after the surgery in all patients. The pedicle was not bulging, had no “cat’s ear” deformity, and was flattened. The donor site was sutured directly, and the wound healed by primary intention without postoperative complications. When a saphenous flap is applied to repair the knee joint trauma skin defects with small and medium size, by modifying the pedicle transposition method, the flap rotation angle is more flexible, surgery is safer and more reliable, and flap appearance is more optimized.