title: Tensor fasciae latae combined with tangentially split vastus lateralis musculocutaneous flap for the reconstruction of pressure sores.
abstract: Pressure sores in the ischial and the trochanteric regions are usually encountered in long-term bedridden and wheelchair-dependent patients. A number of techniques have been developed for the reconstruction of pressure sores. Tensor fasciae latae musculocutaneous flap has been extensively employed to close the trochanteric defect. Despite its utility of having a constant pedicle and proximal bulky muscle, the relative shortness of the flap and insufficient padding in the distal portion limit the applications for distant locations of pressure sores. From January 2001 to December 2003, 8 patients with ischial and trochanteric pressure sores underwent tensor fasciae latae reconstruction in combination with tangentially split vastus lateralis muscle. The descending branches of the lateral circumflex femoral arteries were also included in these flaps. All of the procedures have been successful, and no flap necrosis has been observed. Sufficient bulk of the flap and reliable distal skin paddle constitute the advantages of this flap.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. tram0929@so-net.net.tw
authors.forename: Ming-Te
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Kao-Ping
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Sin-Daw
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Chung-Sheng
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.forename: Yu-Li
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Yang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005206:Fascia Lata / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000637:transplantation*; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps