Keystone Flap for Coverage of Large Thoracic Defects: Case Report

Authors

  • William Diaz-Chaker Universidad del Sinú Seccional Cartagena, Colombia.
  • Diego Sanchez-Martinez Universidad del Sinú Seccional Cartagena, Colombia. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5057-8677
  • Jose Sáenz-Lopez Facultad de Medicina. Universidad del Sinú, Sección Cartagena, Colombia. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0987-6741
  • Daniel Diaz-Coronel Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Bogotá, Colombia. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5006-2857
  • Julian Padilla-Rojas Fundación Universitaria Juan N. Corpas, Bogotá, Colombia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20453/rmh.v36i2.5053

Keywords:

Keystone flap, Thoracic cavity, Plastic surgery

Abstract

The Keystone island flap is a reconstructive surgical technique used to close large defects in the head, limbs, and trunk. It allows the use of adjacent skin with an excellent color match, reduces operative time, and avoids more complex procedures such as free flaps or grafts. This article describes the use of the Keystone flap in chest wall reconstruction, emphasizing its versatility due to multiple musculocutaneous perforators. It aims to provide plastic surgeons with confidence and flexibility in covering large thoracic soft tissue defects, thereby achieving safe and aesthetically acceptable results. Recommendations and lessons on its use are provided, demonstrating its adaptability to various defect types, ranging from oncological to traumatic lesions, and reducing postoperative mortality while promoting faster recovery.

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Author Biographies

William Diaz-Chaker, Universidad del Sinú Seccional Cartagena, Colombia.

               

Diego Sanchez-Martinez, Universidad del Sinú Seccional Cartagena, Colombia.

          

Jose Sáenz-Lopez, Facultad de Medicina. Universidad del Sinú, Sección Cartagena, Colombia.

         

Daniel Diaz-Coronel, Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Bogotá, Colombia.

      

Julian Padilla-Rojas, Fundación Universitaria Juan N. Corpas, Bogotá, Colombia.

          

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Published

2025-06-30

How to Cite

1.
Diaz-Chaker W, Sanchez-Martinez D, Sáenz-Lopez J, Diaz-Coronel D, Padilla-Rojas J. Keystone Flap for Coverage of Large Thoracic Defects: Case Report . Rev Méd Hered [Internet]. 2025 Jun. 30 [cited 2025 Jul. 17];36(2):144-51. Available from: http://44.198.254.164/index.php/RMH/article/view/5053

Issue

Section

CASE REPORTS