Evaluation of efficacy of lower limb rotational flap coverage followed by single sitting PTSG for management of post traumatic osteomyelitis

Abstract

Introduction: In the management of the “post traumatic osteomyelitis-PTO” various types of the flaps are employed. Hence we assessed the efficacy of lower limb rotational flap coverage followed by single sitting “partial thickness skin grafting (PTSG)” for management of PTO. Material and Methods: We conducted a prospective clinical study among 40 subjects with PTO. They were treated with rotational flap coverage followed by single sitting partial thickness skin grafting. The various observations made were noted a comparison was made with the muscle flaps. Results: Thirty two of 40 initial flaps survived. All the subjects had the follow up for a minimum period of one year. The flap survival among the local and diffuse osteomyelitis and among those with and without risk factors was not significant. The second predictor- reconstructed successfully flap was significant between the local and diffuse osteomyelitis. The reconstructive success among the local and diffuse osteomyelitis was not statistically significant.Conclusion: This study found rotational flap coverage followed by single sitting partial thickness skin grafting can be successfully used for the reconstruction of lower limb trauma.