Soft tissue reconstruction following total knee arthroplasty: Treatment and retrospective analysis of plastic surgery therapy

Aim: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with soft tissue defects following total knee arthroplasty and therapy. Furthermore, we described the possibilities of covering soft tissue defects following knee arthroplasty. Method: In 5 patients, soft tissue defects following knee arthroplasty were covered with medial M. gastrocneminus flaps. Localisation and size of the defect, microbiology, risk factors, and interval between arthroplasty and the occurrence of the soft tissue defect were retrospectively analysed. Results: On average, defects occurred 9 weeks after prosthesis implantation. In all cases, the soft tissue defect developed in the area of the incision. In 3 cases, wound infection was diagnosed. Four patients exhibited factors associated with wound-healing failure. No prosthesis was lost. Conclusion: The gastrocneminus muscle flap provides good quality coverage with small donor site defect, permits early mobilisation, and allows for fast rehabilitation. The risk of flap loss is minimal. Early and adequate defect coverage can reduce both prosthesis loss and amputation rates.