Modified tensor fascia lata musculofasciocutaneous flap for the coverage of trochanteric pressure sores.

Abstract

The method most frequently used for the coverage of trochanteric pressure sores is the tensor fascia lata (TFL) flap. The authors introduce a new, hatchet-shaped incision strategy for the TFL flap, which preserves the safe blood supply of the flap and keeps the flap mobile enough. The part of the flap including the muscle is adapted to the greater trochanter. This provides a good aesthetic result without dog-ear formation at the rotation point of the flap. The donor site is closed in a V-Y fashion, and the closure does not require any skin grafting or designing a local flap. The TFL hatchet flap was used nine times on eight patients to cover trochanteric pressure sores. With one exception all patients healed. No recurrence was observed during the follow-up period, and no contour difference developed on the lateral aspect of the thigh.