Lumbosacral reconstruction for intractable pyogenic spondylitis using a total leg flap with a vascularized tibia graft

J Neurosurg Spine. 2008 May;8(5):468-72. doi: 10.3171/SPI/2008/8/5/468.

Abstract

This report describes an effective technique of using a total leg flap for treating a 57-year-old male paraplegic patient with intractable sacral pyogenic spondylitis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Spondylitis was accompanied by severe instability of the lumbosacral area, a large lumbosacral ulcer, and a large bone and muscle defect, which made it difficult for the patient to maintain a sitting position. A total leg flap procedure, a modification of the total thigh flap procedure, was performed as a 1-stage salvage surgery. The vascularized tibia and fibula were grafted between the lumbar and sacral vertebrae, and a musculocutaneous flap was used to cover the extensive ulceration in the lumbosacral skin defect. The intractable lesion of the lumbosacral spine, which had not been cured for more than 2 years despite repeated debridement, intravenous antibiotic injections, sugar treatment, pyoktanin treatment, and hyperbaric O(2) treatment, subsided and stabilized within 1 year of surgery. The patient returned to activities of daily living using a wheelchair, and was very satisfied with the results. Use of a total leg flap with a vascularized tibia graft is an effective treatment for intractable pyogenic spondylitis accompanied by a large bone defect and large lumbosacral ulcers.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Transplantation / methods*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Male
  • Methicillin Resistance
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle, Skeletal / transplantation
  • Paraplegia / microbiology
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Sacrum / surgery*
  • Skin Transplantation / methods
  • Skin Ulcer / surgery
  • Spondylitis / microbiology
  • Spondylitis / surgery*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / surgery*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Surgical Flaps* / blood supply
  • Treatment Outcome