Inferior Gluteal Artery Based Split Gluteus Maximus Muscle Turnover Flap for Coverage of Sacral Pressure Sores-Two Case Reports

Abstract

Sacral pressure sores are frequently seen in long term bedridden or spinal cord injury patients. Gluteus maximus muscle flaps, with numerous modifications, have been the first choice in treating sacral wounds. We have used the gluteus maximus muscle based on the inferior gluteal artery as turnover flaps for covering recurrent sacral pressure sores in two cases. The flap design tangentially splits the lower one-half of the gluteus maximus muscle, rather than using the superficial portion or the entire muscle, as in conventional turnover methods. The bulk and length of these flaps are sufficient to easily fill defects and act as excellent cushions in selected patients.