THE ROLE OF GASTROCNEMIUS MYOCUTANEOUS FLAP IN COVERING DEFECTS OF PROXIMAL AND MIDDLE THIRD OF LEG

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The treatment of a large soft tissue defect affecting the upper and middle portion of the leg remains a problem. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and adaptability of a gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap cover for a post-traumatic major defect of the upper and middle third of the leg. METHODS: This prospective study was undertaken from January 2021 to December 2022 on 27 consecutive cases with post-traumatic upper and middle third leg defect treated with gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap, and the functional and aesthetic outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: There were no reports of full flap failure. In two individuals (7.4%), there was partial cutaneous necrosis and infection noted in one individual (3.7%) There was no postoperative hematoma. In terms of donor site morbidity, no functional deformity was seen during the follow-up period. The process was proven to be dependable, technically simple, and visually pleasing. CONCLUSION: Post-traumatic extensive leg defects extending in the upper and middle thirds were easily covered with a regional gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap, resulting in a great outcome and cosmetically acceptable skin coverage without substantial problems or long-term morbidity and can be performed by an orthopedic surgeon without the assistance of plastic surgeon