Abstract

NUNEZ, Javier E et al. Colgajos pediculados en defectos de tejidos blandos en niños. Rev. Asoc. Argent. Ortop. Traumatol. [online]. 2016, vol.81, n.1, pp.20-26. ISSN 1852-7434.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to evaluate the results achieved using pedicle flaps for coverage of soft-tissue defects in children. Methods: Thirteen children who suffered trauma or burns of the extremities, with soft-tissue loss or severe retraction, requiring a pedicled flap for adequate coverage, treated between 2004 and 2013, were evaluated. Average age 7.9 years. Time between initial trauma and flap coverage averaged 39 days. Coverage was achieved using a sural flap (4 cases), a neurovascular island flap (2 cases), a radial forearm flap (2 cases), a groin flap (3 cases), an abdominal flap (1 case), and a latissimus dorsi flap (1 case). Associated lesions were repaired or reconstructed at the same surgical procedure in all patients. Results: Follow-up averaged 19 months. Adequate coverage was achieved in all 13 cases. Hospitalization time averaged 8.1 days. One patient developed infection, one flap had superficial necrosis and two patients developed hypertrophic scars. Two patients needed extensor tendon tenolisis and two required z-plasties. Conclusions: Pedicled flaps allow for an adequate coverage in most soft-tissues defects in children; it is possible to simultaneously reconstruct all associated injuries. The main disadvantage of these flaps in adults is immobilization of the affected limb, with potential stiffness and edema formation, but this was not evident in the children included in this series.

Keywords : Pedicled flaps; Children.

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