The nontypical gluteus maximus flap.

Since 1984, 42 patients have been treated with gluteus maximus myocutaneous flaps. In 37 patients, a "classical" gluteus maximus myocutaneous flap was used to cover a sacral-gluteal defect. In 5 patients, a "nontypical" gluteus maximus myocutaneous flap was used: two flaps were advanced from caudal to cranial to close defects over the lumbar spinal area, two flaps were advanced from cranial to caudal to close defects in the perineal region, and one flap was advanced from medial to lateral to close a trochanteric defect. All defects could be closed. There was no flap necrosis. In 12 patients (out of 42) there were minor wound infections, and in 6 patients there were minor wound dehiscences. The average blood loss never exceeded 500 cc, the average time of hospitalization (postoperatively) was 17 days, and mobilization (walking) was started 3 to 4 days postoperatively. The average distance of flap advancement was 10 cm. The maximum defect closed by a bilateral V-Y gluteus maximus myocutaneous flap was 24 x 20 cm.