Reconstruction of the popliteal fossa with saphenous artery flap (in Spanish)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Popliteal fossa defects represent a reconstructive challenge for the plastic surgeon, given the intimate relationship of this area with the knee joint and the underlying vital neurovasculature. OBJECTIVE: Demonstrate the usefulness of the fasciocutaneous flap of the saphenous artery in the reconstruction of the popliteal fossa, after a burn in a pediatric patient. CASE: A 5-year-old patient who suffered thermal burn in the lower limbs two years and a half ago who needed grafts; later scar contracture appeared in popliteal fossils, making it difficult to walk around and develop normally. Surgical surgery was performed with a saphenous flap in the left popliteal fossa. ESULTS: These post-surgical months show a saphenous flap in the left popliteal region providing cutaneous and functional coverage, affecting ambulation with conserved extension and flexion movements. DISCUSSION: The saphenous artery flap provided coverage of the defect in the popliteal fossa after removal of the scar tissue that produces contracture, limiting gait and musculoskeletal development. The saphenous flap, as in other studies that support its execution, gave excellent results in soft tissue defects at the level of the knee joint. CONCLUSION: The fasciocutaneous flap of the specific saphenous artery a definitive and stable coverage in critical areas of flexion and extension in the popliteal fossa, re-established the angles of mobility and favored the statural development of the patient.