The management options for complex soft tissue defects about the knee are v
aried, Limb threatening conditions such as exposure of joint prosthesis or
bone requires stable coverage to avoid amputation. A study was conducted to
review the authors' management protocol and experience with complex defect
s about the knee. A retrospective analysis from 1986 to 1996 of 35 patients
with complex defects about the knee was performed. Treatment options were
based on the nature, size, location, and depth of the wound. A specific man
agement protocol was applied for each patient. Treatments included local wo
und care, debridement and skin graft, fasciocutaneous flap, pedicled muscle
flap, and free muscle transfer, Postoperatively, patients were evaluated u
sing Knee Society objective and functional scores and other instruments to
measure outcome. Successful salvage of the lower extremity was obtained in
34 (97 %) patients. Salvage of the total knee prosthesis was obtained in 24
of 29 (83%) patients. Secondary plastic surgery procedures were necessary
in eight (23 %) patients. Secondary orthopaedic procedures were necessary i
n five (15%) patients. No patient required an amputation.