Soft Tissue Reconstruction and Flap Coverage for Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

Background: Total knee arthroplasty is a successful operation for treatment of arthritis. However, devastating wound complications and infections can compromise the knee joint, particularly in revision situations.

Methods: Soft tissue loss associated with poor wound healing and multiple operations can necessitate the need for reconstruction for wound closure and protection of the prosthesis.

Results: Coverage options range from simple closure methods to complex reconstruction, including delayed primary closure, healing by secondary intention, vacuum-assisted closure, skin grafting, local flap coverage, and distant microsurgical tissue transfer.

Conclusion: Understanding the advantages and pitfalls of each reconstructive option helps to guide treatment and avoid repeated operations and potentially devastating consequences such as knee arthrodesis or amputation.

Keywords: flap; gastrocnemius; reconstruction; revision arthroplasty; total knee arthroplasty.