Retrospective study of Gastrocnemius muscle flap for upper 3rd leg defect and knee joint: Study of 75 cases

Abstract

Gastrocnemius flap is the flap of choice for reconstruction of defects involving soft tissue loss over the upper 3^rd leg and knee joint. We are presenting a series of 75 patients who underwent gastrocnemius muscle flap for coverage of this type of leg defects involving knee joint as well. Patients ranged from 7 years to 80 years. There were 63 males and 12 females. In most of the cases delayed reconstruction was performed ranging from 1 week to 2 months or even 6 months after the trauma of the limbs. There was not complete flap necrosis. Minor complications were noted and some of them required a separate operative procedure. We have concluded this flap to be robust, reliable, technically sound and aesthetically acceptable. Gastocnemius flap is probably one of the safest flaps, and relatively easy to dissect.