Knee replacements can often become infected in patients who have had revisional surgery or who are immunosupressed. The gastrocnemius flap can be split down the middle so that both the medial and lateral head can be used to cover total knee replacements.
When the gastrocnemius is used, then the soleus becomes the prime flexor of the ankle. This procedure requires a functional soleus to adapt to the function of ambulating.
The gastrocnemius muscle can then be skin grafted to provide coverage.
http://www.drbriandickinson.com/
