The gluteal perforator-based flap in repair of pressure sores

The gluteal perforator-based flap is designed according to the localisation of sacral perforator vessels. These vessels penetrate the gluteus maximus muscle and reach the intrafascial and suprafascial planes, and the overlying skin forming a rich vascular plexus. The gluteal perforator-based flaps described in this paper are highly-vascularised, have minimal donor site morbidity, do not require the sacrifice of the gluteus Maximus muscle and rarely lead to post-operative complications. We believe these easy-to-perform flaps might be considered as the first choice in the repair of gluteal pressure sores. (C) 2004 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.