Bilateral interconnected latissimus dorsi-gluteus maximus muscular cutaneous flaps for closure of subfascial infections in lumbar spinal surgery. A technical note.

STUDY
DESIGN: A surgical technique for primary closure of postoperative subfascial infections is described.
OBJECTIVES: To describe the methods and indications for the use of the interconnected latissimus dorsi-gluteus maximus flap. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Closure of subfascial postoperative infection can be complicated by soft tissue defects and retained implants. Healing by secondary intention is expensive and gives unpredictable coverage of retained hardware.
METHODS: A bilateral interconnected latissimus dorsi-gluteus maximus flap was used to cover resultant soft tissue defects according to techniques previously described for the delayed primary closure of myelomeningocele defects.
RESULTS: Stable, durable, drainage-free soft tissue coverage was obtained in all patients treated with this technique.
CONCLUSION: The latissimus dorsi-gluteus maximus flap represents an effective, economical option for the treatment of patients with subfascial infection after instrumented spinal fusion surgery.