Use of Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle Flap in Traumatic Popliteal Artery Injury Due to Posterior Dislocation of Knee Joint

Abstract

Introduction: Injury to the popliteal region affects vascularity and soft tissue necrosis. The purpose of the study is to use the medial gastrocnemius muscle flap to enhance the soft tissue cover of the injured area. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Plastic surgery from January 2019 to December 2020. All patients admitted under the department with posterior dislocation of the knee with vascular compromise to the limb were enrolled in the study. Results: Five patients were included in the study. In all the five cases, the limb was salvaged with reverse saphenous vein graft harvested from the thigh region of the opposite limb with soft tissue cover of medial gastrocnemius muscle flap. Postoperative limb movements were satisfactory. The average duration of hospital stay was approximately 21 days. Conclusion: Usage of medial gastrocnemius flap serves an adequate soft tissue coverage in traumatic popliteal artery injury