Fotopoulos Peter, Holmer Per, Leicht Pernille, Elberg Jens Jorgen
Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns, University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
J Reconstr Microsurg. 2003 Nov;19(8):555-9. doi: 10.1055/s-2004-815642.
In reconstructing a defect on the dorsum of the hand, with the extensor tendons exposed or even missing, functional, as well as cosmetic, goals are of major importance. The authors present three cases of extensor tendon reconstruction, combined with soft-tissue reconstruction, with the free serratus fascia flap, the connective tissue over the serratus muscle, for dorsal hand coverage. The flap consists of thin and well-vascularized pliable tissue, with gliding properties excellent for covering exposed tendons. It is based on the branches of the thoracodorsal artery, which are raised in the flap, leaving the long thoracic nerve intact on the serratus muscle. Coverage of the flap with split-thickness skin graft is done immediately. The free serratus fascia flap is an ideal flap for dorsal hand coverage when the extensor tendons are exposed, especially because of low donor-site morbidity.
