Case report of Hand salvage post burn using pedicled tensor fascia lata (TFL)

Burn still the major cause of disabilities and challenge facing both patient and surgeon, and when hands were affected a comprehensive planning and work must be obtained to restore functional and aesthetic aspects of hand. Tensor fascia lata (TFL) considered since centuries a useful tool to save hand post burn either it was been harvested with pedicle or as free flap. Although pedicle TFL became seldom but it may be the best option for hand reconstruction. In this article we report a case of hand burn that was managed by pedicle TFL.

A 32 year- old man was involved in thermal burn affected multiple areas of his torso and limbs. He was referred to hospital from primary health care center. At hospital reassessment of the patient done was hemodynamic stable and inhalation injury was excluded. Burn estimated at 36 % total body surface area (TBSA) distributed through trunk and left upper limb, but left hand was the most affected area.

After stabilization, he underwent serial debridement and dorsum of hand became skeletonized with exposed bones and tendon. Pedicled tensor fascia lata eventually choose to resurface hand, and fortunately enough covered all hand.

Tensor fascia late flap still has favorable use, easy applicable and expected outcome. in this article we report post burn hand injury that managed by pedicled tensor fascia lata.