A team of skilled surgeons and doctors at Trilife Hospital successfully salvaged the left leg of a 57-year-old woman who suffered a severe degloving injury after her feet were run over by a bus. The patient, a resident of Assam, was visiting her daughter who is a dentist in Bengaluru when the accident occurred. The patient sustained extensive damage to her left foot, including the loss of the complete outer skin. Additionally, multiple fractures and damage to multiple arteries and muscles made the case extremely complex. Despite the severity of the injury, the Trilife Hospital team was able to preserve the limb through a complex reconstruction procedure that involved first correcting the fractures by the orthopaedic team. This was followed by soft tissue reconstruction in a stage wise manner. The first stage was the muscle flap cover, and this was followed by skin grafting. Recovery was a lengthy process involving physiotherapy to regain normal functioning. Without proper intervention and treatment, such clinical conditions can result in below-the-knee amputation.

Speaking on the procedure, Dr. Raghavendra Kaladagi, Consultant Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon TriLife Hospital “This was a challenging case that required a multidisciplinary approach. The patient’s injury was so severe that it initially seemed impossible to save her leg. We were able to salvage the patient’s leg by performing a free latissimus dorsi muscle flap, which involved transferring muscle and blood vessels from her back to the damaged area. The free flap procedure was a crucial step in covering the exposed area and promoting healing. The free latissimus dorsi muscle flap is a complex surgical procedure that requires specialized skills and expertise. This procedure allowed her to regain motor function in her leg. The patient’s recovery was supported by a team of dedicated healthcare professionals, including nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.

She has made significant progress and is able to walk without any support.” Five days after the flap procedure, skin grafting was performed over the flap to provide additional coverage and promote healing. After these procedures, the majority of her foot, excluding the toes, remained viable. The patient’s recovery was a long and arduous process, but with the dedicated care of the Trilife Hospital team, she was able to make significant progress. The surgeons closely monitored her condition throughout her recovery, ensuring that she received the appropriate treatment and support.