The recurrent neurotrophic buttock ulcer in the meningomyelocele paraplegic: a sensate flap solution.

Abstract

A large percentage of meningomyelocele paraplegic patients have a distal zone of sensation-bearing skin on their thighs. This sensate skin can be used as a fasciocutaneous flap to resurface a recidivistic ulcer after excision. In this study, because the transposition distance was significant, the flap length-width ratio was greater than normal and, therefore, required a 3-week elevation delay. This also permitted appraisal of the sensate flap after the first stage. The wound-healing was excellent after both stages. This reconstructive procedure was completed in four patients, with an average follow-up period of 13 years. These patients remain chronic sitters in administrative jobs and have been pressure sore-free after flap repair.