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J Reconstr Microsurg 2004; 20(8): 605-609
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-861518
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator (TAP) Flap Reconstruction of a Soft-Tissue Defect of the Knee Following Below-Knee Amputation

Amanda J. Fortin1 , Roman J. Skoracki2
  • 1Section of Plastic Surgery,University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
  • 2Department of Plastic Surgery, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Publication History

Publication Date:
03 January 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Soft-tissue coverage of lower extremity defects with thin, sensate, mobile, and durable soft tissue is challenging. Reconstructive options are further limited in the setting of a below-knee amputation. The authors present the first report of an innervated thoracodorsal artery perforator (TAP) flap for coverage of an anterior knee soft-tissue defect in a patient with bilateral below-knee amputations following disseminated meningococcemia. The soft-tissue defect measured 11 × 17 cm2 centered over the patella, and the TAP flap provided adequate pedicle length, with optimal soft-tissue thickness and pliability with the potential for innervation and minimal donor-site morbidity. Six months postoperatively, the patient is ambulating well with prostheses fitted over her well-healed, stable, knee coverage.

KEYWORDS

Below-knee amputation - TAP flap - fasciocutaneous free flap

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Roman J SkorackiM.D. 

University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Plastic Surgery

Unit 443, P.O. Box 301402, Houston, TX 77230