Background: Free tissue transfer for coverage of complex wounds in the ischial and sacral area can be limited by the lack of adequate recipient vessels.
Methods: We reviewed the records of 3 patients seen between August 2002 and December 2005 who underwent free tissue transfer to ischiosacral defects.
Results: Two patients were quadriplegic, and 1 patient was ambulatory. The gluteal vessels were used as recipients in 2 patients, and 1 patient had an arteriovenous loop to the femoral vessels. All flaps were successful and all wounds healed.
Conclusions: A free latissimus flap to the ischiosacral area can be effective, and both local (gluteal) and regional (femoral) vessels can serve as recipient vessels.