Retrospective Study
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2023. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Clin Cases. Nov 6, 2023; 11(31): 7562-7569
Published online Nov 6, 2023. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i31.7562
Measurement of combined flap thickness for reconstruction of decubitus ulcer using computed tomography
Eun Chan Kim, Jeong Do Park, Syeo-Young Wee, Se-Young Kim
Eun Chan Kim, Jeong Do Park, Syeo-Young Wee, Se-Young Kim, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, Gyeonsangbuk-do, Gumi 39371, South Korea
Author contributions: Kim EC contributed to manuscript writing, visualization, and data collection; Park JD contributed to conceptualization, methodology, and analysis; Wee SY contributed to project administration; Kim SY contributed to manuscript review, editing, and supervision; All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Supported by Soonchunhyang Research Fund, No. 2023-0064.
Institutional review board statement: This study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Soonchunhyang University Hospital.
Informed consent statement: All study participants or their legal guardian provided informed written consent about personal and medical data collection prior to study enrolment.
Conflict-of-interest statement: We have no financial relationships to disclose.
Data sharing statement: No additional data are available.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Se-Young Kim, MD, Doctor, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, No. 1-Gongdan-ro 179, Gyeonsangbuk-do, Gumi 39371, South Korea. 111459@schmc.ac.kr
Received: August 31, 2023
Peer-review started: August 31, 2023
First decision: September 19, 2023
Revised: September 23, 2023
Accepted: October 26, 2023
Article in press: October 26, 2023
Published online: November 6, 2023
ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS
Research background

Decubitus ulcers, especially grades III and IV, pose significant challenges to reconstruction owing to their high recurrence rates. Surgical options including muscle and fasciocutaneous flaps have been explored; however, there is no universally accepted gold standard.

Research motivation

This study aimed to assess the thickness of combined fasciocutaneous and gluteus maximus muscle flaps used in patients with paraplegia for grade IV decubitus ulcer reconstruction to address the need for effective treatments with minimal complications.

Research objectives

The primary objective of this study was to measure flap thickness using radiological evaluation in patients with paraplegia who underwent combined flap reconstruction for severe decubitus ulcers.

Research methods

This retrospective clinical study included patients with paraplegia who underwent combined flap coverage for grade IV decubitus ulcers. Flap thickness was measured using enhanced abdominopelvic computed tomography at 3 wk and 6 mo postoperatively.

Research results

This study demonstrated a successful reconstruction without major complications. Flap thickness decreased slightly but significantly between 3 wk and 6 mo postoperatively, with an average retention of 88.98%.

Research conclusions

Combined fasciocutaneous and gluteus maximus muscle flaps offer an effective option for grade IV decubitus ulcer reconstruction in patients with paraplegia with the potential to maintain flap thickness over time.

Research perspectives

Larger studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to further assess the effectiveness of combined flaps. Additionally, exploring the factors influencing flap thickness changes can enhance our understanding of the long-term outcomes of decubitus ulcer reconstruction.