Outcomes and Clinical Applications of Thin Free Flaps for Soft Tissue Defects

Flap coverage is often required to achieve primary wound closure and to achieve a good functional result. Free flap has gain popularity over random flap in soft tissue reconstruction to achive maximal cosmetic and functional outcome. Advances in reconstructive techniques have widened the application of free flap tissue transfer for repair of head and neck defects and have resulted in improved quality of life and both functional and aesthetic outcomes. Interference of high technology like CT Angio and Duplex ultra sound makes perforator detection more easy and more accurate. Fasciocutaneous free flaps raised in the traditional sub or supra-fascial planes can sometimes be thick and bulky. Elevating thin flaps has long been a goal of reconstructive surgeons. Thin flaps have numerous advantages in reconstruction. Thin flap is required in aesthetically significant areas, such as in fascial and hand reconstruction. In addition to their aesthetic importance, thin flaps are frequently required due to functional considerations. In head and neck reconstruction, bulky flaps may interfere with smooth swallowing and cause airway obstruction. In adition resurfacing of joint exposure require thin flap to maintain maximum joint function. Donor site shows better outcomes with thin free flap due to preservation of deep fatty layer that decrease the incidence of donor site neuroma and better countour when application of skin graft.