A Cutaneous Transposition Inversion Flap to Treat Symptomatic Subcutaneous Trochanteric or Soft Tissue Defects After Hip Arthroplasty: A Technical Note

Abstract

Introduction: Up to 17% of patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA) suffer from greater trochanteric or lateral trochanteric pain. Subcutaneous soft tissue or trochanteric bone substance defects with protrusion of the underlying stem may be challenging causes. Surgical Technique: We present the surgical technique of a de-epithelialized cutaneous transposition inversion flap to cover subcutaneous implant protrusion, performed successfully in a patient with posttraumatic trochanteric defect following THA after failed internal fixation for a trochanteric fracture. Results and Conclusion: The patient had no more trochanteric pain, allowing her to walk, sit, and sleep without pain. The THA protrusion was no longer palpable under the uneventfully healed skin. The technique described is relatively simple and may help improve therapy in patients with symptomatic trochanteric bone or soft tissue defects. Level of Evidence: Level IV, Special technical article.