Harvesting large fascia lata sheaths: A rational approach

This article describes an "S"-shaped incision for the open approach of harv esting wide sheets of fascia lata with reference to the important anatomica l landmarks. Forty-three patients required dural replacement in cased of tu mors, trauma, or cerebrospinal fluid leak involving the anterior skull base . The extended status of the operated limb in seven of the patients treated first was assessed by physical examination and then by means of the comput erized Kinetic Communicator (Kin-Com; Medex Diagnostics, Canada) dynamomete r. None of these patients suffered any significant immediate complications and had good results at the preliminary functional assessment. All other pa tients were evaluated clinically for functional deficits of the operand low er limb to further assess its morbidity . The technique described herein wa s shown to enhance the ease and control of fascia lata harvesting. It affor d a low complication rate and donor limb morbidity. Donor limb morbidity di d not have any deleterious effect on the patients' normal daily activities and only became apparent during strenuous physical activity.