Reinnervated Medial Gastrocnemius Free Flap for Closure of a Recurrent Ischial Pressure Sore: Case Report

ABSTRACT

A 42-year-old T7 level paraplegic man had undergone multiple local flap transfers for closure of a recurrent left ischial pressure sore. When wound breakdown again occurred and regional flap transfers were no longer a possibility, a medial gastrocnemius free flap was transferred to the ischial region. Reinnervation of this flap was accomplished by interposing a sural nerve graft between a proximal intercostal nerve and the tibial motor nerve branch of the gastrocnemius muscle. Following the return of protective sensation, the patient has developed no new ischial pressure ulcerations.

Ischial pressure sore - gastrocnemius free flap - nerve graft

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