V-Y Tensor Fascia Lata for Trochanteric Pressure Sore Treatment

Abstract

There are several alternatives for pressure sore reconstruction, but it is of utmost importance that an appropriate surgical technique be adopted, because although treatment is successful, recurrence of these ulcers is frequent. The purpose of this study was to conduct a precise evaluation of the V-Y tensor fascia lata flap, pointing out its advantages compared with the classical flap and with other possibilities described in the literature. The author employed 20 V-Y tensor fascia lata flaps to correct 20 trochanteric ulcers. The use of the classical tensor fascia lata flap to cover trochanteric ulcers is unquestionable. However, primary closure for flaps wider than 10 cm is difficult, necessitating an eventual skin grafting of the donor site. The V-Y tensor fascia lata allows a covering similar to the classical flap, simplifies primary closure and essentially presents the possibility of numerous reutilizations.