Proximal tensor fasciae latae (tensor fasciae latae-gluteus medius) musculocutaneous flap - a forgotten flap for trochanteric pressure injury: a case report

Authors

  • C. Sai Kumar Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shija Hospitals and Research Institute, Imphal West, Manipur, India
  • Guruaribam Nilamani Sharma Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shija Hospitals and Research Institute, Imphal West, Manipur, India
  • Tamphaleima Sorokhaibam Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shija Hospitals and Research Institute, Imphal West, Manipur, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-2902.isj20251549

Keywords:

Pressure injury, Trochanter, Proximal TFL, Gluteus medius

Abstract

Pressure sores over the trochanteric region are a common complication in paraplegic patients, often requiring surgical intervention due to deep tissue loss and bony prominence. We present a case of a 45-year-old paraplegic male with a chronic left trochanteric ulcer managed using a proximally based tensor fascia lata (TFL) flap incorporating the anterior gluteus medius. After thorough debridement and ostectomy, the flap provided durable, tension-free coverage. At 1-year follow-up, the patient showed complete healing with no recurrence. This technique offers a reliable and muscle-sparing option for reconstructing trochanteric pressure ulcers in non-ambulatory patients.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

Coleman S, Nixon J, Keen J, Wilson L, McGinnis E, Dealey C, et al. A new pressure ulcer conceptual framework. J Adv Nurs. 2014;70(10):2222-34. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.12405

Gefen A. The biomechanics of sitting-acquired pressure ulcers in patients with spinal cord injury or lesions. Int Wound J. 2007;4(3):222-31. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1742-481X.2007.00330.x

Berlowitz D, VanDeusen Lukas C, Parker V, Niederhauser A, Silver J, Logan C, et al. Preventing pressure ulcers in hospitals: a toolkit for improving quality of care. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). 2014

Nahai F, Silverton JS, Hill HL, Vasconez LO. The tensor fascia lata musculocutaneous flap. Ann Plast Surg. 1978;1:372. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/00000637-197807000-00003

Mathes SJ, Nahai F, eds. Clinical Atlas of Muscle and Musculocutaneous Flaps. St. Louis: Mosby; 1979: 63-85.

Little JW III, Lyons JR. The gluteus medius–tensor fasciae latae flap. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1983;71:366-73. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/00006534-198303000-00014

Minami RT, Hentz VR, Vistnes LM. Use of vastus lateralis muscle flap for repair of trochanteric pressure sores. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1977;60:364-70. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/00006534-197709000-00006

Downloads

Published

2025-05-28

How to Cite

Kumar, C. S., Sharma, G. N., & Sorokhaibam, T. (2025). Proximal tensor fasciae latae (tensor fasciae latae-gluteus medius) musculocutaneous flap - a forgotten flap for trochanteric pressure injury: a case report . International Surgery Journal, 12(6), 1035–1038. https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-2902.isj20251549

Issue

Section

Case Reports