Selahattin GALYAN, Alper TAŞAN, İbrahim AKPINAR, Kamuran Zeynep SEVİM
Turkish Journal of Plastic Surgery - 2026;34(4):133-138
Context: Posterior spinal wound complications following instrumentation are associated with high morbidity and risk of spinal instrumentation loss. Aims: The study aimed to evaluate reconstructive techniques, complication rates, and instrumentation salvage in pediatric and adult patients. Settings and Design: Retrospective single-center case series. Materials and Methods: Eighteen patients undergoing flap-based reconstruction for complex posterior spinal defects were included. Reconstruction was performed using fasciocutaneous, musculocutaneous, and muscle flaps following appropriate debridement and wound preparation. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics were used. Results: Fasciocutaneous flaps were predominantly used in pediatric patients (50%), while muscle-based or combined flaps were more common in adults. The complication rates were 37.5% in pediatric and 20% in adult patients, mainly minor dehiscence and seroma. Instrumentation salvage was achieved in 100% of pediatric patients and 90% of adults, with an overall rate of 94.4%. Conclusions: In our experience, flap-based reconstruction may provide well-vascularized soft-tissue coverage for complex posterior spinal wounds may be associated with favorable instrumentation preservation outcomes. Patient age and defect characteristics should be considered during reconstructive planning.
