Free Vascularized Anterolateral Thigh Fascia Lata Flap for Reconstruction in Electrical Burns of the Severely Damaged Finger

Abstract

This study aimed to introduce a novel technique for reconstructing electricity-damaged fingers using a method combining the free vascularized anterolateral thigh fascia lata flap with skin grafting. From February 2015 to March 2017, 11 patients were enrolled in this retrospective case series. All patients suffered from electrical injury of the fingers and had severe soft tissue defects, with the exposure of tendon, vessels, or nerves. All finger wounds were covered using free vascularized anterolateral thigh fascia lata flaps combined with skin grafting. Eleven fascia flaps completely survived. Two patients suffered from partial grafting skin necrosis due to wound infection and subcutaneous hematoma, separately, which eventually healed after re-graft and dressing changes. All patients achieved satisfactory function and appearance without a need for repeated grafting. Except for the scar, no donor-site morbidity was reported. The present study provided an attractive option for treating electricity-damaged fingers with good outcomes and minimal donor-site morbidity.