Fasciocutaneous flap coverage for periolecranon defects.
Soft tissue defects in the periolecranon region are difficult to manage by standard techniques such as closure by approximation, split-thickness skin grafting, or healing by secondary intention. We employed cadaver injections and dissections to study the vascular anatomy of the periolecranon region in search of a suitable local flap for coverage of periolecranon defects. This report details our experience in 31 patients with a one-stage technique for elbow coverage employing a proximally based forearm fasciocutaneous flap. Surgical techniques and clinical applications are discussed; a satisfactory long-term outcome is documented in 30 of 31 patients. The advantages of using this model fasciocutaneous flap include enhanced vascularity, sensibility, and ease of elevation.
D000328:Adult; D002102:Cadaver; D004550:Elbow / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000098:blood supply; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps