The versatility of the gastrocnemius muscle flap

Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 1995 Mar;24(3):218-22.

Abstract

The gastrocnemius muscle rotation flap is a utilitarian procedure for management of soft-tissue defects about the knee. Ten patients underwent medial gastrocnemius muscle rotation flaps at our institution during a 24-month period. Four of the 10 patients underwent primary muscle rotation-plasty for reconstruction following tumor resection; 3 patients had soft-tissue defects following trauma; 2 patients had skin ischemia following total knee arthroplasty; and 1 patient had a soft-tissue defect from scar formation. All procedures were performed by an orthopaedic surgeon. At follow-up of 6 to 24 months, the soft-tissue coverage was maintained in all patients. All of the muscle rotation flaps survived. The gastrocnemius rotation flap provides reliable anterior knee soft-tissue coverage and can be performed by most orthopaedic surgeons.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leg / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscles / transplantation*
  • Skin Transplantation
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / surgery
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / surgery
  • Surgical Flaps*
  • Transplantation, Autologous / methods
  • Wound Healing