[Cover of trochanter pressure sores by V-Y musculocutaneous flap of the fascia lata].

Authors report their experience with the V-Y advancement flap in the coverage of trochanteric pressure sores. Nine flaps have been performed concerning 7 patients. Trochanteric sores in paraplegia or tetraplegia may lead to suppurative arthritis of the hip, with a risk of anaerobic infection and acute septicaemia. The treatment has to be as complete as possible. The trochanteric sore is debrided, with special attention given to removing all necrotic material, the surrounding bursa, and the bony prominence of the greater trochanter. The debrided trochanteric region is then covered by a well-vascularized and thick tissue. We observed only one complication at the donor site which can be closed primarily by this technique. The V-Y advancement technique is a new, simple and safe design of tensor fasciae latae flap. The defect is covered by the thicker and the best vascularized portion of the musculo-cutaneous flap. It allows preservation of other donor sites of the gluteal region to cover other sores, which are often associated.