[Electromyographic studies of myocutaneous sliding flaps for the covering of sacral decubitus ulcer].

Gluteus maximus myocutaneous sliding flaps from one or both sides are useful in covering deep, usually infected sacral pressure sores. Although skin is known to tolerate higher pressure in the covered area, muscle offers far better conditions for flap healing of infected defects. In spite of excellent early results, the long-term fate of the transposed muscle remains uncertain. An electromyography study was performed on eleven patients out of 29 with sliding gluteus maximus myocutaneous flaps in periods up to seven months after surgery. Our results show that signs of denervation parallel reinnervation and functional integrity of the transposed muscle.