Morphometric properties of the tensor fascia lata muscle in human fetuses.

In neonatal and early childhood surgeries such as meningomyelocele repairs, closing deep wounds and oncological treatment, tensor fasciae lata (TFL) flaps are used. However, there are not enough data about structural properties of TFL in fetuses, which can be considered as the closest to neonates in terms of sampling. This study's main objective is to gather data about morphological structures of TFL in human fetuses to be used in newborn surgery. Fifty formalin-fixed fetuses (24 Male - 26 Female) with gestational age ranging from 18 - 30 weeks (mean 22.94±3.23 weeks) were included in the study. TFL samples were obtained by bilateral dissection and then surface area, width and length parameters were recorded. Digital calipers were used for length and width measurements whereas surface area was calculated using digital image analysis software. No statistically significant differences were found in terms of numerical value of parameters between sides and sexes (p>0.05). Linear functions for TFL surface area, width, anterior and posterior margin lengths were calculated as y = -225.652 + 14.417 x Age (weeks), y = -5.571 + 0.595 x Age (weeks), y = -4.276 + 0.909 x Age (weeks) and y = -4.468 + 0.779 x Age (weeks), respectively. Linear functions for TFL surface area, width and lengths can be used in designing TFL flap dimensions in newborn surgery. In addition, using those described linear functions can also be beneficial in prediction of TFL flap dimensions both in autopsy studies.