Gastrocnemius Flap for Proximal Leg Reconstruction

Abstract

The gastrocnemius muscle flap has long been known as a workhorse flap for leg reconstruction given its reliability and ease of harvest. Its utility is varied, but it is especially useful for deep wounds of the proximal third of the leg with exposed vital structures or hardware. This chapter describes the preoperative markings and operative technique for the standard harvest of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, with variations such as island muscle flap, lateral head of gastrocnemius muscle flap, and gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap. Alternatives such as propeller flaps are discussed as well. The gastrocnemius flap is one of many reliable and versatile flaps that plastic surgeons have in their armamentarium of options to reconstruct any defect of the leg.