A manoeuvre to cover exposed metal using a de-epithelialised "turn-over" fasciocutaneous flap

Twenty years' follow-up of a de-epithelialised turnover flap

The authors have used the de-epithelialised turnover flap (Thatte's Flap) for covering compound defects over the tendo-achilles in 31 patients in the period covering 1980–2000. Two of these patients have come up for follow-up after 20 years. In this late follow-up, the results are good and the tendon which was bridged by the dermis of the flap is functioning to allow the patients to stand on their toes. The de-epithelialised turnover flap is a simple and easy technique giving good long-term results. In spite of all the new advances in flap coverage, the de-epithelialised turnover flap is a good alternative for the tendo-achilles area in the armamentarium of a plastic surgeon.

The "lazy-V" de-epithelialised turn-over fasciocutaneous flap in the reconstruction of skin defects after tendo Achilles repair

Few methods of closure of skin defects lying over the tendo Achilles have been described. The de-epithelialised turn-over flap is one of them but it cannot be used in the presence of a scar proximal to the defect. We describe a modification ("The Lazy-V") of the de-epithelialised turn-over flap which gives it a rotation arc, thus enhancing the versatility of the procedure. This modification is presented with an illustrative case report and a review of the literature.

Successful detachment of cross-leg fasciocutaneous flaps on the tenth day: a report of 10 cases

A series of 10 patients is presented in whom cross-leg fasciocutaneous flaps were detached on the tenth day without any subsequent complication or loss. All the flaps were designed with a distal fascial extension that might have helped neovascularisation of the flap. The paper also includes a description of the nature of the fasciocutaneous flap in the leg, comments on the neovascularisation of flaps and a brief analysis of the economics of a skin flap transfer.