[Defect coverage of the hand with the free serratus fascial flap].
OBJECTIVE
Coverage of exposed functional structures such as tendons, bones, vessels or nerves at the dorsal and palmar surface of the hand requires thin, supple tissue to provide adequate range of motion and a satisfying aesthetic result. Free fascial flaps are possible alternatives to cutaneous, fasciocutaneous and muscle flaps. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the functional and aesthetic results after coverage of the hand with free serratus fascial flaps in our department.


METHODS
From 1994 to 2002, ten patients underwent free fascial flap coverage of the hand with eleven serratus fascial flaps. Six patients could be re-examined and answered a questionnaire about their satisfaction with the functional and aesthetic results. The mean follow-up was after 34 months.


RESULTS
Average active range of motion of the hand, functional improvement and the aesthetic result were satisfying in all follow-up patients. No secondary debulking or other contouring procedures were required.


CONCLUSIONS
We recommend the use of free serratus fascial flaps as a valuable alternative to fasciocutaneous or muscle flaps since the functional results are excellent; no additional procedures were necessary and the aesthetical results are appealing.
Flügel
A
A
Klinik für Hand-, Plastische und Rekonstruktive Chirurgie -- Schwerbrandverletztenzentrum, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Ludwigshafen.
Heitmann
C
C
Kehrer
A
A
Germann
G
G
Sauerbier
M
M
D000328:Adult; D002056:Burns / Q000601:surgery*; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000502:physiology; D006225:Hand / Q000098:blood supply; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*