Reconstructive management of an extensive myelomeningocele defect using allogeneic fascia lata as temporary biological coverage: a case-based mini-review.
Juan A Medina, Sebastián Vitar, Lucio Giustiniano et al.
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Case in brief
A term male newborn had a 16 × 10 cm thoracolumbosacral myelomeningocele with too little surrounding skin for tension-free primary closure. After neural repair and watertight dural closure, surgeons used banked allogeneic fascia lata as temporary biological coverage. Granulation tissue developed and the skin margins epithelialized inward, achieving complete epithelial coverage at four months. At one-year follow-up, the area remained stable, without local infection or further reconstructive procedures.
What made this case unusual
Allogeneic fascia lata was used as temporary superficial coverage for an extensive myelomeningocele defect, rather than as a definitive reconstruction.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
When primary skin closure and local flaps are not feasible, banked allogeneic fascia lata may provide temporary coverage while granulation and epithelialization proceed; this report describes one case, not comparative evidence.