THE COMPOSITE GROIN FASCIAL FREE-FLAP

Seven patients with extensive loss of soft tissue, extensor tendon, an d exposure of bone and joint of dorsum of hand and foot were treated w ith free composite flaps from the groin area, To retard the adhesion b y scarring, membrane interposition between tendon acid bone was recomm ended. The groin flap, based on superficial circumflex iliac vessels, was combined with a well-vascularized external oblique aponeurosis, Th e groin skin flap provided skin coverage, and the aponeurosis was used simultaneously to create a gliding surface for reconstructed tendons in a single one-stage procedure. All composite free-tissue transfers w ere successful. The advantages of this technique are: (1) a single, on e-stage procedure; (2) fewer adhesions of reconstructed tendons, and n o need of secondary tenolysis; and (3) good cosmesis and minimal morbi dity at donor site.