Freeze-dried fascia lata allografts: a review of 47 cases.

Fascia lata used to connect bony structures can provide stability while maintaining mobility. Experience with reconstituted freeze-dried allogeneic fascia used in 56 patients was reviewed, including ankle, hip, and shoulder suspensions, plus ligament and tendon repairs. Follow-up was available in 47 patients with 51 fascial grafts whose ages ranged from 2 to 58 years (mean, 19.2 years). Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 16 years with a mean of 7.2 years. Results were good in 72%, fair in 20%, and poor in 8%. Allograft fascia did not stretch out with time in these cases. Preserved fascia can provide satisfactory clinical results, thus eliminating the need for collecting autogenous fascia.