The Use of a Total Thigh Flap Procedure for Chronic Infection of the Hip Joint

Abstract

1. The total thigh flap procedure, a modified hip disarticulation retaining most of the skin and muscle bulk of the thigh for coverage of decubitus ulcers and elimination of sepsis of the hip joint, is described. 2. This procedure is well adapted for the treatment of chronic infection of the hip joint accompanied by osteomyelitis and extensive decubitus ulceration in the paraplegic patient. 3. The advantages of the two-stage procedure are the establishment of a clean granulating wound prior to closing the flap and easier psychological acceptance by the patient.