title: The vascularized cutaneous scapular flap.
abstract: Five cases of cutaneous free tissue transfer using the cutaneous and circumflex scapular vessels are presented. The free scapular flap is an excellent choice when intermediate-sized (6 to 10 by 10 to 16 cm) uninnervated flap coverage is necessary and cannot be achieved by conventional methods. The flap is exposed easily and has a constant artery and venous system, 2- to 3-mm-diameter vessels, and a 4- to 6-cm vascular pedicle. The shoulder donor site can be closed primarily. Like all shoulder wounds, it has a tendency to spread, but not functional deficit exists at the shoulder or on the posterior chest wall.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005531:Foot Deformities, Acquired / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D012540:Scapula; D012782:Shoulder; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps