Interdigitating Fasciocutaneous Gluteal V-Y Advancement Flaps for Reconstruction of Sacral Defects

In Brief The authors describe a modification of the classic gluteal bilateral V-Y advancement flap for sacral defect closure. After initial debridement, the V-Y design is marked on both sides of the defect. The incision is carried down to the fascia of the underlying gluteus maximus muscle. The upper and lower arms of the flaps are elevated and advanced on the gluteal muscle toward the midline, interdigitating each opposing arm. The overall result is a zigzag, broken midline suture. This procedure was carried out in 14 patients with sacral pressure sores and in 1 patient with a chronic pilonidal sinus. All flaps survived without major problems. There were no recurrences during the 6 to 16 months of follow-up. The interdigitating fasciocutaneous V-Y gluteal flap design is effective in breaking the midline vertical scar and preserving the gluteus maximus muscle. Bilateral gluteal V-Y advancement flaps were used for successful closure of 14 sacral pressure ulcers. The flaps were modified by interdigitation of the two flaps, thus avoiding a straight-line closure.