Use of the medial upper arm skin as an arterialised flap.
The skin on the underside of the upper arm is supplied in part by the superior ulnar collateral artery, a direct cutaneous artery arising from the brachial artery four to six cm distal to the pectoralis major insertion. Two-thirds to three-quarters of the length of the medial arm skin can be reliably transferred as an arterialized undelayed pedicle flap. This skin provides excellent coverage for the opposite hand from a relatively inconspicuous donor site. Transfer of this flap is safe and patient discomfort is minimal. It is recommended for elective reconstruction and emergency procedures.
D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm; D001158:Arteries; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply*; D013524:Surgical Flaps