Should fat graft be recommended in tendon scar treatment? Considerations on three cases (two feet and a severe burned hand).

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Lipostructure has been reported as a successful ancillary tool for surgery in tenolysis procedures, but to date no reports of its capability to resolve tendon adherence without further surgery have been reported. The aim of this study is to highlight the role of lipografting in the treatment of tendon and joint adherences. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In our experience, we started treating important tendon adherences together with nerve entrapment on the dorsal aspect of the foot in two cases and in a severe burned hand. RESULTS: We achieved good results both in terms of function and sensory recovery. A twenty four month follow up showed good maintenance of the ROM. We also reported gaining of almost 30-40 degrees of a flexion contracure in the second finger of a burned hand, minimizing further surgery for scar contracture and tenoarthrolysis, with a stable follow up. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that prior to refer to surgery scars involving tendons as well as joints should be considered for lipografting.