Connected deep femoral and gluteal perforator-based flap for repair of an extensive defect on the posterior thigh.

Abstract

An island connected "Siamese" deep femoral and gluteal perforator-based flap with double vascular pedicles, the perforators from the deep femoral and superior gluteal arteries, was transferred successfully to repair an extensively large posterior thigh defect in an 84-year-old man. For reconstruction of large, massive defects of the posterior thigh region, this connected "Siamese" flap has the following advantages: (1) the flap and the pedicles are nearest to the defect, (2) the skin territory of the flap is extremely long, (3) the flap elevation is easy, because there are several perforators that can be considered as pedicle candidates in both the deep femoral and the gluteal perforator-based flaps, (4) there is no necessity for positional change to elevate the flap, and (5) no sacrifice of muscles implies little postoperative functional limitation of the donor leg.