Fascia lata sheaths harvest revisited

A large fascial sheath, often required as a dural substitute, is generally obtained via a longitudinal lateral thigh incision, which results in a disfiguring scar and considerable morbidity. We describe a short “S”-shaped incision also carried out at the lateral aspect of the thigh and with a special relation to surface landmarks and important anatomic structures; ie, the iliotibial tract and the knee joint. Our experience with this approach in 53 patients whose surgical requirements had various etiologies has shown it to have bestowed minimal morbidity and of short duration. We recommend the use of this approach whenever a large fascial sheath is required.