The role of the medial head of the gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap transfer in the management of prosthesis exposure and deep joint infection following total knee arthroplasty

There is a lack of effective and innovative treatment for patients with prosthesis exposure and deep joint infection following total knee arthroplasty. This study explores the application of the medial head of the gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap transfer in these conditions, offering new therapeutic strategies for clinical practice.

Clinical data of 68 patients with prosthesis exposure and deep joint infection following total knee arthroplasty were included and retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into one study group (n = 35, received medial head of the gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap transfer and vacuum sealing drainage) and one control group (n = 33, received vacuum sealing drainage). The total effective rates, visual analogue scale (VAS), Hospital for Special Surgery score (HSS), knee joint function, activity, inflammatory reactions, safety, and recurrence rate were compared between the two groups.

The total effective rate in the study group was higher than that in the control group. VAS scores in the study group were lower at 3 and 7 days after treatment. HSS scores were higher in the study group after treatment. The study group showed lower levels of hs-CRP and IL-6 after treatment. At 1 month and 3 months after treatment, the study group exhibited higher knee joint activity. There was no difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups, and the study group had a lower recurrence rate.

Medial head of the gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap transfer effectively improves knee joint function and activity, reduces pain, alleviates inflammatory reactions, and has fewer adverse reactions and a lower recurrence rate.