[The gluteus maximus inferior split-muscle flap for the cover of ischiatic pressure ulcers: Study of 61 cases].

AIM OF THE STUDY: The coverage of ischiatic pressure ulcers is characterized by a significant recurrence rate (8-64% depending on the series). It therefore seems necessary to introduce the concept of saving in the use of muscle flaps available to avoid being in a situation of therapeutic impasse. The gluteus maximus inferior split-muscle flap allows a tailored coverage to the ischiatic pressure ulcers grade IV with skin defect less than 8cm after surgical debridement. It is associated with an advancement-rotation skin flap removed above the sub-gluteal fold.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The surgical treatment is performed in a single-stage (care+coverage), undercovered by probabilistic antibiotic per- and postoperative then secondarily adapted. After excision of the cavity, a gluteus maximus inferior split-muscle flap was realized. The inferior gluteal artery ensures the muscular flap vascularization. Afterwards, patients follow a rehabilitation program in a specialized center.

RESULTS: Sixty-one flaps were performed in 55 patients between September 2000 and January 2015. Fifty-nine (97%) were conducted in first-line and 2 (3%) for covering recurrent pressure ulcers. After a mean duration of 4 years and 8 months follow-up, 13 pressure ulcers (21.3%) relapsed. If reoperation, a simple remobilization of the muscle flap was achieved in 54% of cases, a myocutaneous flap of biceps femoris in 23% and surgical abstention in a patient with non-compliant perioperative care.

CONCLUSIONS: The gluteus maximus inferior split-muscle flap, simple to implement, provides coverage of ischial pressure sores while sparing muscle flaps usually used for this indication. The recurrence rate associated with the gluteus maximus inferior split-muscle flap is comparable to biceps femoris and gluteus maximus muscle flaps (totally harvested). It does not sacrifice function gluteus maximus muscle and can be performed in the valid patient. This flap keeps the Superior split-muscle, mobilized in case of sacral pressure ulcer. The gluteus maximus inferior split-muscle flap is the first intention flap indicated for the cover of cover of ischiatic pressure ulcers of less than 8cm in diameter.