Retrospective analysis of free temporoparietal fascial flap for defect reconstruction of the hand and the distal upper extremity

Abstract

Introduction Soft tissue reconstruction of the hand and distal upper extremity is challenging to preserve the function of the hand as good as possible. Therefore, a thin flap has been shown to be useful. In this retrospective study, we aimed to show the use of the free temporoparietal fascial flap in soft tissue reconstruction of the hand and distal upper extremity. Methods We analysed the outcome of free temporoparietal fascial flaps that were used between the years 2007and 2016 at our institution. Major and minor complications, defect location and donor site morbidity were the main fields of interest. Results 14 patients received a free temporoparietal fascial flap for soft tissue reconstruction of the distal upper extremity. Minor complications were noted in three patients and major complications in two patients. Total flap necrosis occurred in one patient. Conclusion The free temporoparietal fascial flap is a useful tool in reconstructive surgery of the hand and the distal upper extremity with a low donor site morbidity and moderate rates of major and minor complications.

Reconstruction of Hand and Foot Defects with Free Serratus Carpaccio Flap and Free Serratus Fascia Flap: A Comparative Retrospective Study of Surgical Outcomes

“…As with other fascial flaps, there was no need for secondary thinning procedures. This is in line with other studies for fascial flaps and the fasciocutaneous alternatives [15,26,30]. While the flap harvesting procedure varies between the free serratus fascia flap and the newer free serratus carpaccio flap, the overall surgical durations of both procedures did not differ significantly.…”

“…In 5% of the cases, alopecia of the donor-site was reported. A more recent study investigated the clinical outcome of 14 free temporoparietal fascia flaps for the defect coverage of fingers or the dorsum of the hand [26]. The overall complication rate was 36%, with one flap loss and one case of facial paresis.…”

Intra- and Early Postoperative Evaluation of Malperfused Areas in an Irradiated Random Pattern Skin Flap Model Using Indocyanine Green Angiography and Near-Infrared Reflectance-Based Imaging and Infrared Thermography

“…In times of multimorbid patients undergoing complicated reconstructive procedures including reconstructive flap surgery [20], predictable complications such as partial flap necrosis due to malperfusion should be avoided. Replacing irradiated tissue with unirradiated flaps is one way to circumvent such surgical site sequelae [21][22][23].…”

Evolution of free flap reconstruction in the upper extremity: perspective from a tertiary plastic and reconstructive institution

“…If pursuing mobile fascial reconstruction, particularly important in the dorsal hand, the free temporal fascia flap, based on the superficial temporal artery, is an excellent option for ultrathin coverage promoting underlying tendon excursion (Figure 2) (Carty et al., 2010; Müller-Seubert et al., 2021). Caution is warranted, however, in cases indicating secondary re-elevation for tendon reconstruction, for which such a delicate flap likely will not tolerate.…”