Defect reconstruction of the trochanter major after necrotizing fasciitis and multiple operations using an arteriovenous loop and latissimus dorsi free flap

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a severe soft tissue infection which has to be treated with a radical debridement as the key element. In the further course often large tissue defects occur, so that a long-term stable defect reconstruction plays a crucial role after any successful debridement. The reconstruction can include split skin grafting or local and free flaps. Here we present a case of a 41-year-old male patient with a NF in the trochanter major region after spondylodesis and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) device implantation. After multiple operations including local and free flaps we performed a defect reconstruction using an arteriovenous (AV) loop and subsequent free latissimus dorsi transplantation leading to no further operations. This complex reconstruction can be considered as the final stage of any reconstruction latter.