[Role of a sensory innervated plantar fillet free flap for reconstruction of sacral pressure sores in paraplegic patients. Last resort for reconstruction of sacral pressure sores in paraplegics].

Sensory denervation is the key factor for the high rate of recurrent sacral pressure sores in paraplegic patients. This paper summarizes the results after reconstruction of recurrent sacral pressure sores using a sensory innervated plantar fillet free flap. Five plantar fillet free flaps were utilized for defect reconstruction of sacral pressure sores in five male patients during a 9-year period (1989-1998). Data were analyzed retrospectively. Patients'age ranged between 32 and 51 years. The level of spinal cord injury was between T10 and L1. The average defect size was 20 x 16 cm. All flaps were microsurgical free tissue transfers. The posterior tibial nerve was coapted to two intercostal nerves from above the spinal cord injury level. All patients developed sensation within 3-6 months. A stable sensate coverage was achieved in each case. The data show that the concept of a sensory innervated plantar fillet free flap may facilitate defect reconstruction in most complex or even seemingly hopeless cases.