Reconstruction of Achilles tendon using vascularised fascia lata with free lateral thigh flap

A case of Achilles tendon reconstruction using free vascularised fascia lata joined to a lateral thigh flap is reported. This is a simple one-stage reconstruction and a sufficiently strong tendon can be obtained.     

Reconstruction of the Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue by free composite anterolateral thigh flap with vascularized fascia lata

Segmental loss of the Achilles tendon with overlying soft tissue and skin defect remains a complex reconstructive challenge. Successful reconstruction combines tendon repair with coverage of the defect by soft tissue flaps, creating an entity that meets up to three predetermined goals: (1) approaching preinjury functionality, (2) resisting shearing forces, and (3) achieving an esthetic result. From June 2009 to June 2011, our center submitted six patients to a one-stage procedure correcting the Achilles tendon using a composite free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap with vascularized fascia lata. The flap sizes ranged from 5 to 8 cm in width and 16 to 20 cm in length and all flaps included vascularized fascia lata which was rolled to serve as an Achilles tendon. After reconstruction our patients showed good functional results, these patients could walk, climb stairs, and tiptoe again without support. Moreover, normal footwear could be worn. A free composite ALT flap with vascularized fascia lata is a reliable option for coverage of Achilles tendon and overlying soft tissue defects, even in elderly patients.     

Quadriceps tendon reconstruction using a fascia lata included in a reverse‐flow anterolateral thigh flap

Quadriceps tendon re‐rupture after surgical repair is an overall estimated 2% complication. We report a case of reconstruction in a large tendon and soft tissue defect using a reverse‐flow anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap including fascia lata in a 75‐year‐old man presented with septic necrosis of a reconstructed quadriceps tendon. A reverse‐flow ALT flap was transferred to the knee defect; the fascia lata was sutured to the residual tendon. Post‐operative flap congestion and infection were successfully treated with debridement and conservative treatment. One year after surgery, the patient was able to fully and actively extend the knee, with an acceptable aesthetic appearance. The reverse‐flow anterolateral thigh flap including fascia lata may be a good option for coverage of soft‐tissue defects around the knee and contemporary quadriceps tendon reconstruction, particularly in case of septic tendon necrosis, where the use of non‐vascularised tissues is contraindicated.     

Penile resurfacing with vascularized fascia lata

Penis resurfacing is a challenging procedure, and should simultaneously ensure erectile function, tactile sensibility, sexual satisfaction, and aesthetic integrity. This article presents three cases with penile skin defects treated by means of a pedicled fascia lata attached either to the tensor fascia lata (one case) or an anterolateral thigh flap (two cases). The cause of the wounds included electrical burn, Fournier's gangrene, and self-mutilation. The size of flaps ranged from 10-13 cm in width and 15-30 cm in length. All flaps included vascularized fascia lata, which covered part or the circumference of the penis. All flaps survived completely. The lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh was included in the designed flaps in all instances, and normal protective sensation was recorded postoperatively. The patients reported normal erectile function and ability to perform intercourse. The flaps, though relatively bulky and hairy, had a good color and texture match with the penis and suprapubic region. Based on our limited experience, we believe that the anterolateral thigh flap has greater dimensions with a longer pedicle, and allows for greater flexibility in flap design compared to the tensor fascia lata flap. An anterolateral thigh flap can be safely thinned in a second stage, and it is our flap of choice for penis resurfacing.     

吻合血管的阔筋膜瓣游离移植及皮片修复手部创伤性缺损

目的　考察应用吻合血管的阔筋膜瓣游离移植 ,联合皮片修复手部软组织缺损的临床效果。方法　共行手术 8例 ,切取的阔筋膜瓣最大 6cm× 1 6cm ,最小 3cm× 8cm。结果　移植的阔筋膜瓣和皮片全部成活 ,取得了预期的效果。结论　以旋股外侧动脉降支为血管蒂的阔筋膜瓣 ,血管解剖恒定 ,蒂长 ,切取容易 ,且瓣较薄 ,适宜修复手部软组织缺损     

One-stage reconstruction of soft tissue and Achilles tendon defects using a composite free anterolateral thigh flap with vascularized fascia lata: clinical experience and functional assessment

The combined loss of the Achilles tendon with overlying soft tissue is a reconstructive challenge. To achieve acceptable rehabilitation, such patients need skin coverage including functional repair of the Achilles tendon. This article presents four such patients who were treated successfully by means of an anterolateral thigh (ALT) composite flap with vascularized fascia lata. The size of the ALT flaps ranged from 10 to 16 cm in length and 6 to 9 cm in width. All flaps included vascularized fascia lata, which was rolled to serve as vascularized tendon graft (range 8 x 6 cm to 10 x 8 cm) for reconstruction of the Achilles tendon defect. Flap success rate was 100%. All patients could walk and climb stairs without support; however, mild difficulty when running was reported. Functional outcome of the recipient ankle and donor thigh morbidity were investigated by using a kinetic dynamometer comparing reconstructed sides with the healthy contralateral limbs. This assessment was performed in two patients at 2 years postoperatively. In the reconstructed ankles, isokinetic concentric measurements of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion showed a deficit of 30% and 40%, respectively. Functional evaluation of quadriceps femoris muscle contraction forces after free ALT composite flap harvest showed a 10% to 25% deficit. However, there were no difficulties in daily ambulating. In summary, the free composite ALT flap with vascularized fascia lata provides an alternative option for Achilles tendon reconstruction in complex defects.     

The tensor fascia lata musculocutaneous flap.

The tensor fascia lata (TFL) muscle, together with the overlying skin of the anterolateral thigh, makes a reliable musculocutaneous unit. It can be lengthened safely by taking the fascia lata and the skin of the anterolateral mid and lower thigh to within 8 cm of the knee. The skin of the longer flap is supplied by large perforating musculocutaneous arteries, the terminal branches of the vascular pedicle of the muscle. The shorter flap can easily be transposed over the trochanteric area, while the larger flap will cover not only the trochanter but also the ischial and sacral areas. The flap serves equally well as a transposition, island, or free flap. The anatomical and vascular basis of the flap is presented, together with its application in 21 patients. Possible further applications of the flap, including anterior rotation, are discussed.     

Upper extremity salvage using the tensor fascia lata flap: report of two cases

The tensor fascia lata pedicled flap was successfully used to salvage 3 severely injured upper extremities in 2 patients. Both patients had undergone 3 prior free tissue transfers without complete closure of their wounds. All 3 tensor fascia lata flaps (2 myocutaneous, 1 myofascial) survived entirely. We believe this flap offers a distinct advantage compared with the groin flap when pedicled flap coverage of the upper extremity is required.     

游离股前外侧皮瓣与筋膜瓣修复手足部软组织缺损

目的比较股前外侧皮瓣与筋膜瓣修复手足部软组织缺损的疗效。方法15例手足软组织缺损分别采用游离股前外侧皮瓣或筋膜瓣修复。结果随访4～15个月,所有患者组织瓣均成活,其中1例曾发生血管危象,经减张、解痉后血供恢复。用皮瓣修复的病例在外观及功能上不如筋膜瓣满意。结论游离股前外侧筋膜瓣是修复手足部大面积软组织缺损的理想方法。     

Three-layer reconstruction with fascia lata and vascularized pericranium for anterior skull base defects

Summary Background. We report an assessment of the efficiacy of a triple layer graft composed of fascia lata and vascularized pericranium for anterior skull base reconstruction. This technique is based on the concept that vascularized tissue over a free flap may promote vascularization and rapid wound healing. Method. A large fascial graft is prepared from the fascia lata and divided in two pieces and trimmed to a size larger than the bone and dural defect. Vascularized pericranium is harvested after bicoronal incision and elevating the bifrontal scalp flap down to the supraorbital rims. First is dural repair, which is performed with fascia lata placed between the brain and remaining dura. Second, fascia lata is placed over the skull base defect and secured with mini titanium screws over the cranial surface of the orbital ridges. Third, vascularized pericranium is laid between the two layers of fascia lata. Findings. We studied 17 patients of whom 2 had malignancy, 6 had olfactory groove meningioma, 6 had skull base fracture and rhinorrhea, 1 case had orbital meningioma, 1 had invasive pituitary adenoma and 1 had basal encephalocele. The transbasal approach was used as a single procedure in 13 cases. The extended transbasal approach combined with a transfacial approach was used in 3 cases and with a pterional approach in 1 case. In each patient, reconstruction of the cranial base was performed with triple layer graft of fascia lata and vascularized pericranium. The patients were followed-up 2 months to 5 years. None of the patients experienced postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage, meningitis, abscess, brain herniation and tension pneumocephalus. Interpretation. Fascia lata with vascularized pericranium is highly reliable, tensile and well suited for reconstruction of the anterior skull base.     

应用吻合血管的阔筋膜瓣联合游离皮片移植修复手指软组织缺损的经验介绍

目的介绍应用吻合血管的阔筋膜瓣联合游离皮片移植修复手指软组织缺损的经验。方法临床应用５例９指。阔筋膜瓣的面积最大为６ｃｍ×９ｃｍ,最小为２．５ｃｍ×７．０ｃｍ。结果移植的阔筋膜瓣全部成活,植于其上的中厚皮片除２例有小块坏死外,其余也全部成活。术后随访１～４年,除１指的近节指间关节、１指的掌指关节屈曲受限外,其余手指伸屈活动正常,效果满意。结论该筋膜瓣以旋股外侧动脉降支为供血来源,血管解剖恒定,血管蒂长,切取容易。移植后的筋膜皮瓣较薄,适于修复手指软组织缺损。     

阔筋膜张肌球拍形岛状肌皮瓣

目的 探讨根据肌肉解剖形状和血管分布,将阔筋膜张肌皮瓣设计成上窄下宽,呈球拍形的岛状肌皮瓣的可行性。方法 应用阔筋膜张肌球拍形岛状肌皮瓣,修复中下腹壁大块软组织缺损4例。结果 3例全部成活,1例岛状肌皮瓣远端有小块皮肤坏死,经移植皮片而痊愈。结论 阔筋膜张肌球拍形岛状肌皮瓣是可行的,且皮瓣较窄 的上段似一个延长的蒂,使之移转灵活,而皮瓣供区的上侧面又可直接缝合,从而减少了用来修复皮瓣供区创面所需皮片的面积。     

游离阔筋膜瓣移植修复小腿软组织和主要血管 缺损

目的：总结吻合血管的阔筋膜瓣移植修复小腿软组织和主要血管缺损的临床应用结果。方法：2000年9月至2008年12月,应用阔筋膜瓣移植修复5例（男4例,女1例）小腿软组织和主要血管缺损,用其携带的旋股外侧动脉降支行桥式吻合,同时修复受区肢体主要血管缺损。患者年龄19～48岁,平均34岁。切取阔筋膜瓣范围6.5cm×9cm～9cm×18cm,Ⅰ期行中厚网状游离植皮,股部供区直接缝合。结果：阔筋膜瓣全部成活,手术顺利。随访时间11个月～3.5年,平均2.5年,未发现明显的供区功能障碍,供区与受区外形较好,受区小腿经临床观察与Doppler检查,胫前和胫后动脉通畅。结论：阔筋膜瓣以旋股外侧动脉降支为血供,血运丰富、血管解剖恒定、血管蒂长以及切取容易,而且较薄,适宜修复小腿软组织和主要血管缺损。     

Abdominal wall reconstruction with the free tensor fascia lata musculofasciocutaneous flap using intraperitoneal gastroepiploic recipient vessels

The authors report their experience with a method for definitive abdominal wall reconstruction using the free tensor fascia lata musculofasciocutaneous flap anastomosed to the intraperitoneal gastroepiploic vessels. This is a single-stage reconstruction capable of reconstructing reliably a full-thickness defect involving any region of the abdominal wall. The fascial component of the flap reconstructs the abdominal wall with like tissue, and the cutaneous portion of the free tensor fascia lata provides a durable and aesthetically acceptable external cover. The intraperitoneal gastroepiploic artery and vein were the first-choice recipient vessels used in all three patients. These intraperitoneal recipient vessels allow uninterrupted fascial closure, restoring structural integrity to the abdominal wall, and allow the use of free flaps with short vascular pedicles. The authors present a series of three cases of full-thickness upper and lower abdominal wall reconstruction using this method, presenting its advantages compared with other methods.     

One-stage reconstruction of large midline abdominal wall defects using a composite free anterolateral thigh flap with vascularized fascia lata

OBJECTIVE: Large midline abdominal wall defects are continuously a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. Adequate skin coverage and fascia repair of the abdominal wall is necessary for achieving acceptable results. The purpose of this paper is to present a new approach to abdominal wall reconstruction using a free vascularized composite anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap with fascia lata. METHODS: Seven patients with large full-thickness abdominal wall defects were successfully reconstructed by means of a composite ALT flap combined with vascularized fascia lata. The size of the skin islands ranged from 20 to 32 cm in length and 10 to 22 cm in width, and the vascularized fascia lata sheath measured 14 to 28 cm and 8 to 18 cm, respectively. Functional outcome of the abdominal wall strength and donor thigh morbidity were investigated by using a Cybex kinetic dynamometer. RESULTS: All flaps survived. No postoperative ventral hernia occurred except for one mild inguinal incision hernia. Subjectively there were no significant donor site problems. Objective assessment was performed in 4 patients 2 years postoperatively. In the reconstructed abdomen, isokinetic concentric and eccentric measurements of extension/flexion ratios of the abdominal wall strength showed no apparent decrease compared with other references. Functional evaluation of quadriceps femoris muscle contraction forces after free ALT composite flap harvest showed an averaged deficit of 30% as compared with the contralateral legs. However, no difficulties in daily ambulating were reported by the patients. CONCLUSION: The free composite ALT myocutaneous flap with vascularized fascia lata provides an alternative option for a stable repair in complex abdominal wall defects.     

阔筋膜张肌肌皮瓣在腹壁和腹股沟肿瘤切除后巨大缺损一期修复中的应用

目的:探讨阔筋膜张肌肌皮瓣转移技术中在腹壁和腹股沟肿瘤扩大切除后巨大缺损一期修复中的应用.方法:2001年8月～2008年5月.我科收治的7例腹壁或腹股沟恶性肿瘤病人在行根治性扩大切除后造成巨大缺损(缺损面积≥80 cm2),采用带蒂或游离阔筋膜张肌肌皮瓣转移技术进行一期修复.结果:全部病例成功实现一期修复,无手术死亡,仅1例出现少量皮瓣边缘坏死.术后随访3～84个月,2例出现局部复发,未发现有腹壁疝形成.结论:阔筋膜张肌肌皮瓣转移技术是一期修复腹股沟区恶性肿瘤扩大切除所致之皮肤和肌层巨大缺损的理想方法.     

携血管化阔筋膜的股前外侧皮瓣动力性修复下唇大型缺损

目的探讨应用携血管化阔筋膜的股前外侧皮瓣修复下唇大型复杂缺损的临床效果。方法回顾性分析2013年1月至2020年6月,上海交通大学医学院附属第九人民医院口腔颌面-头颈肿瘤科同一课题组应用携血管化阔筋膜的股前外侧皮瓣修复的下唇大型复杂缺损患者的临床资料。股前外侧皮瓣用于恢复缺损的组织,重建下唇外形,阔筋膜与余留的口轮匝肌形成"闭环"结构进行动力性重建。术后每2~3个月随访1次,观察皮瓣存活情况、唇部外形、张闭口及饮水等情况。结果共纳入4例患者,均为男性,年龄26~63岁,2例为下颌骨鳞状细胞癌侵犯下唇,1例为下唇动静脉畸形栓塞术后,1例为下唇鳞状细胞癌。4例患者均顺利完成下唇的修复重建,移植皮瓣面积18 cm×7 cm~26 cm×8 cm,两端携带(5~8)cm×1 cm的阔筋膜,皮瓣均全部存活。术后随访时间6~80个月,患者下唇外形良好,张口度2~3横指,闭口时能完全密封,饮水达到基本不漏水。结论携血管化阔筋膜的股前外侧皮瓣可对下唇大型复杂缺损进行外形修复及动力性重建,能达到较好的临床效果。     

The versatility of tensor fascia lata allografts for soft tissue reconstruction

The purpose of this retrospective study was to introduce our successful use of tensor fascia lata allograft to reconstruct various soft tissue defects. Since May 2021, we have applied tensor fascia lata allografts in eight cases. A frozen type of fascia of 0.6 mm thickness was used in all cases, and allografts were covered by vascularized soft tissue. We used tensor fascia lata allograft in eight cases to cover the infected wounds, donor site closure, and pedicle protections. These were abdominal wall and back reconstructions following rectus muscle and latissimus dorsi muscle harvest, coverage of infected spine wound after posterior fusion, pressure ulcer reconstruction, and pedicle protection of free and pedicle flaps. The follow-up periods were from one to 14 months. None of the cases showed wound problems after initial reconstruction using tensor fascia lata allografts. Tensor fascia lata allograft could be an excellent cost-effective surgical option comparable to autologous tissue grafts. Level of evidence: IV.     

Free tensor fascia lata perforator flap as a backup procedure for head and neck reconstruction

Free tissue transfer is an essential part of the head and neck reconstruction. Despite several flap options, free perforator flaps have become very popular for head and neck. Anterolateral thigh perforator flap has multiple advantages among other options and is preferred by most of the reconstructive microsurgeons. Besides its advantages, sometimes it is impossible to harvest an anterolateral thigh perforator flap, and the surgeon has to shift to another option. Between January 2002 and June 2005, 5 tensor fascia lata perforator flaps were used for head and neck reconstruction because anterolateral thigh perforator flap could not be elevated due to absence or insufficient musculocutaneous perforators. Only 1 flap was reexplored and salvaged by redoing the venous anastomosis. All flaps survived without any other problem. Donor sites were covered by split-thickness skin grafts in 4 patients and closed directly in 1 of them. Doppler examination is important in planning of anterolateral thigh perforator; if the signals of the perforators are absent or very weak, the surgeon can shift to another flap. This decision may also be made during the operation when insufficient perforators are seen. Based on our experience, tensor fascia lata perforator flap is a safe alternative when anterolateral thigh perforator harvest is not possible. Tensor fascia lata perforator flap can be harvested from the same anatomic region with almost same morbidity.     

Tensor fascia lata musculocutaneous flap for abdominal wall reconstruction

We report a case of abdominal wall reconstruction following excision of irradiated skin and a ventral hernia. A very large tensor fascia lata musculocutaneous flap was used with good results. The anatomical features of this flap make it an excellent method of abdominal wall reconstruction.