Clinical effects of free superficial temporal fascia flap combined with split-thickness thin skin graft in repairing refractory wounds in the anterior tibia / 中国医师杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of free superficial temporal fascia flap combined with split thickness skin transplantation in repairing refractory wounds in the anterior tibia.Methods:Data on 19 patients with soft tissue defects in the anterior tibial region who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from September 2019 to October 2023 and met the inclusion criteria were collected and summarized. Among them, 11 were males and 8 were females, aged 19-70 years old. The wound area was 4.3 cm×5.0 cm-6.8 cm×9.5 cm, and all wounds were accompanied by tendon exposure. 5 patients also had local bone exposure, and 10 patients had varying degrees of local infection. All patients were treated with wound debridement and continuous closed negative pressure drainage to control infection. After controlling the wound infection, an equally large temporal superficial fascia tissue flap was designed and cut according to the size of the wound to repair the wound. At the same time, a scalp split thick skin was taken to cover the fascia flap.Results:All 19 patients with superficial temporal fascia flaps survived, while 2 patients had poor skin flap survival due to subcutaneous hematoma. After re-grafting, the wound healed. After follow-up for 6-24 months, all patients were satisfied with the appearance of the anterior tibial region and had good recovery of ankle joint function. The supply valve area was concealed, without obvious scars, hair loss, baldness and other complications.Conclusions:The use of free superficial temporal fascia flap combined with split thick skin transplantation for repairing anterior tibial wounds has the advantages of strong anti infection ability, thin fascia flap, concealed donor site, and reconstruction of supporting ligaments. It is an ideal repair method for repairing difficult to heal wounds in the anterior tibial area.