A Case Report on Bilateral Knee Coverage Following Septic Arthritis: Lateral Distal Thigh Island Flap and Medial Head Gastrocnemius Flap Methods

Septic arthritis is the rheumatological and orthopedic emergency that causes the most difficulties with joints–especially knee and hip joints. The clinical symptoms include pain, swelling, inflammation, stiffness, and a limited range of motion in both active and passive joints. Debridement of the necrotic tissue is one beneficial method for septic arthritis treatment, although soft tissue defects around joints are a challenging issue for surgeons. Our purpose was to investigate the consequences of two flap surgery methods undertaken to repair soft tissue damaged during knee joint debridement caused by septic arthritis. This is a case report concerning a patient who had septic arthritis in the knee area and so underwent soft tissue surgery. The reconstruction methods were not the same for both knees as the lateral distal thigh island flap reparation method was used on the left knee and the medial head gastrocnemius flap method was utilized on the right. We then investigated the results and outcomes of the surgery three months later. Lower extremity movement extent was carefully evaluated and, in respect to muscle strength, the patient was able to walk independently three months after the surgery. The patient’s balance was studied and the results showed moderate levels of stability.