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. 2016 May;30(2):73-7.
doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1580728.

Orthopedic Prosthetic Infections: Plastic Surgery Management

Jesse D Meaike  1 , Matthew G Kaufman  1 , Shayan A Izaddoost  1
Affiliations

Orthopedic Prosthetic Infections: Plastic Surgery Management

Jesse D Meaike et al. Semin Plast Surg. 2016 May.

Abstract

Orthopedic prosthetic infections are potentially devastating complications. Plastic surgeons are frequently consulted to aid in the management of the soft tissue defects that are created by these infections. A review of the existing literature was performed to identify established treatment methods for soft tissue coverage of orthopedic hardware infections for a variety of anatomic locations. The following treatment guidelines and soft tissue reconstructive options were identified as viable options for the management of exposed or infected orthopedic hardware. This review provides descriptions of the various soft tissue reconstructive options available as well as adjunctive treatment methods.

Keywords: orthopedic prosthetic infections; plastic surgery.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
(A) A 43-year-old with exposed hardware with antibiotic spacer (arrow). (B,C) Coverage with gastrocnemius and soleus flap. (D) Coverage with split thickness skin graft.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
(A) A 45-year-old with a knee wound after failed gastrocnemius flap and (B) exposed hardware (arrow). (C) Coverage with free rectus abdominis and split thickness skin graft.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Regional approach to coverage of spine-associated wounds.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
(A) A 58-year-old with prominent hardware. (B,C) Coverage with paraspinal flap. (D) At 9 months postoperative.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
(A) A 64-year-old with lupus with exposed, unremovable hardware. (B) Salvaged with antibiotic beads. (C,D) Covered with bilateral latissimus dorsi flaps. (E) At 1 year postoperative.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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