Proximal femoral resection and myocutaneous flap for treatment of pressure ulcers in spinal injury patients.

A radical proximal femoral resection and flap procedure were used to treat infected trochanteric ulcers communicating with the hip joint in patients with spinal cord injuries. Postoperatively, femoral motion and pistoning were prevented by an abduction pillow and antispasmodic medication. The results of 25 patients and 26 hips with an average follow-up of 14.5 months are presented. Wound closure was achieved in 24 of 26 hips while patients were in the hospital. All wounds eventually healed, and all infections were eradicated. Seven patients had associated clinically significant heterotopic ossification. All of these patients had elimination of infection and postoperative restoration of wheelchair sitting. It is concluded that this radical procedure is extremely effective in treating deep, recalcitrant trochanteric ulcers around the hip. The procedure may potentially be used to treat heterotopic ossification about the hip and restore sitting capability in patients with spinal cord injuries.