Reconstruction for Soft Tissue Defect of Dorsum of Hand or Foot with Free Temporal Fascial Flap

유리 측두 근막판을 이용한 수배부 및 족배부 연부조직 결손의 재건

Vascularized tissue coverage is necessary for treatment of soft tissue defect with bone and tendon exposure on hand and foot dorsum, which cannot be successfully covered with simple skin graft or local flap. The temporal fascia is one of the most ideal donor for coverage of soft tissue defect of dorsum of hand or foot in term of ultra-thin, pliable and highly vascular tissue. Also, this flap offers the advantage of a well-concealed donor site in the hair-bearing scalp and smooth tendon gliding. We have experienced 11 cases of reconstruction for soft tissue defect in the hand or foot using temporal fascial flap with skin graft. All cases survived completely and we could gain satisfactory functional results. There were no specific complications except one donor site alopecia We think that the free temporal fascial flap coverage is a highly reliable method for soft tissue defect in hand and foot dorsum. However, the potential pitfalls is secondary alopecia and requirement of skin graft after its transfer.