Tendon gliding is key to optimal recovery of hand function after complex tendon injuries. However, joint contracture and extensor tendon adhesions are common complications in the treatment of extensor tendon injury of the hand and digit, so the effect of extensor tenolysis was limited. For these disorders, we have applied adipofascial flap following extensor tendon surgery. According to this concept, adipofascial flap was applied in five cases. The average follow-up period of this series of patients was 11 months (8-11 months). The flaps were used for reconstruction of the tendon gliding surface in three patients, and for prevention of adhesion following tenolysis in two patients. The average %TAM was 75% (44-100%) at the final follow-up. Protracted wound healing was observed in two patients. The adipofascial flap for extensor tendon surgery is locally available, vascularrich, thin and soft, easily elevated, and good for a tendon gliding surface. On the basis of our experience, we recommend the use of an adipofascial flap for the prevention of tendon adhesion in extensor tendon surgery.
