The Coverage of a Large Sacral Pressure Sores with the Butterfly Flaps

Abstract：Objective To report the clinical results of the coverage of a large sacral pressure sores with the butterfly flap.Methods Between March 2006 and October 2010,6 cases a large sacral pressure sores(5 men,1 women)were re-constructed with the technique.They ranged in age from 22 to 58 years(mean 38).Of the 6 cases,3 cases were complete spinal cord injury.Two were burn injury.One was cerebral infarction.All of the patients had stage Ⅳ decubitus ulcers that extended to the bone.The pressure sores ranged in size from 12 cm×14 cm to 13 cm×18 cm.Each flap was pedi-cled on the fourth lumbar artery perforators,The flaps designed with the axis obique to the anterior superior iliac spine. The configuration of the flaps resembles a butterfly.Donor sites defect were closed primarily.Results One case sus-tained superficial infection postoperative and the gradual wound healed by daily wound dressings.All patients were fol-lowed-up from 26 to 52 months(mean,38 months).All flaps survived;hematoma,or wound dehiscence was not ob-served.No recurrence of the sacral pressure sores occurred with satisfactory clinical results.Conclusion The butterfly flap technique is a reliable surgical method for sacral pressure sores reconstruction.When used in appropriate cases, there is minimal morbidity and the outcome is highly successful.