TRANSPLANTATION AND TRANSPOSITION OF THE TEMPOROPARIETAL FASCIA FLAP - A WORK HORSE FOR THE PLASTIC SURGEON

The improved anatomical knowledge of the temporo-parietal fascia has o pened a wide variety of clinical applications for the flap based on th is tissue. The temporo-parietal fascial flap (TPFF) is a reliable and strong flap, which may be used pedicled or free to treat a wide variet y of difficult problems. Due to the fact that it is extremely well vas cularised and thin, it may be used as a venous flap. For the same reas on it can be employed as an elegant soft tissue filling material, even when tight closures are necessary as for example in nasal septum perf oration. It provides an optimal cover for autologous bone grafts and i ts gliding characteristics are ideal for the prevention of recurrent f ibrosis after teno- or neurolysis. The parietal fascial flap can in ad dition carry skin, bone or other fascial layers useful for more comple x reconstructions.