[Occlusion of chronic decubitus ulcers by musculocutaneous gluteus maximus flaps].

Early coverage of long-standing pressure sores in patients with paraplegia, multiple sclerosis and prolonged immobilisation due to fractures of the lower extremities should be performed in order to avoid further bone destruction and septic complications. Musculocutaneous flaps offer several advantages in covering infected soft tissue defects and proved to be superior to cutaneous flaps. Surgical repair of pressure sores requires a prospective selection of available musculocutaneous flaps. Planning should include the possibility of ulcer recurrence or of pressure sores in adjacent regions. Sacral and ischial pressure sores were covered by a musculocutaneous gluteus maximus flap in 11 patients.