Vram Flap for an Above Knee Amputation Stump

Abstract

Although routinely utilized in reconstruction of groin, perineal and thigh defects, the pedicled vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap has only once been previously reported for coverage of above knee amputation (AKA) stumps. A 36 year old man sustained a traumatic above knee amputation after stepping on an improvised explosive device (IED). Following several sessions of debridement, an ipsilateral pedicled VRAM flap was utilized to provide padded soft tissue coverage and maintain bone length (6 cm below the greater trochanter), avoiding both a debilitating hip disarticulation and a need for a free flap. We describe this procedure, report the outcomes and discuss considerations for utilizing this flap.