OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical efficacy of artery perforator-based flap in the repair of gluteal-sacral pressure sores.

METHODSGluteal artery perforator-based island flap and perforator-based flap were designed to repair the gluteal-sacral pressure sores of 26 patients according to the location and size of the wounds. The area of the biggest flap was 20 cm x 15 cm, the diameter of perforating vessel was above 1. 1 mm, with the length of free pedicle ranging from 2.0 - 3. 5 cm.

RESULTSAll the flaps healed soon after operation, with no flap necrosis and postoperative complications, such as flap necrosis, wound infection and or formation. The color and texture of the flaps were good and the configuration was satisfactory. There was no recurrence of local bedsore in the follow-up period from 6 to 24 months.

CONCLUSIONThe artery perforator-based flaps have the advantages of delicate texture, easy dissection, reliable blood flow, preservation of the gluteus maximus muscle and no need of skin grafting for the donor defects in most cases. It is an optimal method in surgical treatment of gluteal-sacral pressure sores.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Arteries ; transplantation ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pressure Ulcer ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Sacrococcygeal Region ; Surgical Flaps ; Wound Healing