Vastus Lateralis Muscle Flap for High-Risk Patients Undergoing Orthopaedic Hip Surgery.

Introduction: Chronic infections and soft-tissue defects are serious complications after total hip arthroplasties (THAs) that may require hip disarticulation (HD). HD is a relatively high-risk procedure with poor long-term outcomes and survival. This is the first study to analyze the effect of an ipsilateral, pedicled vastus lateralis (VL) muscle flap in preventing HD in patients with recurrent complications after THA.

Methods: This retrospective case review analyzed the 6-month postoperative outcomes of 14 patients who underwent soft-tissue hip reconstruction with a VL muscle flap by a single surgeon.

Results: Most (86%) patients fully recovered after 6 months with preserved hip range of motion, no pain, and no weakness on ambulation. Two (14%) patients ultimately required HD despite introducing a VL flap.

Discussion: A VL muscle flap is an effective treatment of nonhealing THA and prophylactic intervention for patients at high risk for HD. The VL muscle is optimal because of its large size allowing reduction of soft-tissue dead space, its local anatomical location to the hip, and its exceptional vascularity. Additional prospective studies are necessary to determine the most appropriate population for this technique.