title: The lateral pectoral flap.
abstract: The lateral pectoral flap is a new pedicled flap based on the superficial thoracic artery which arises from the subscapular artery and courses along the lateral border of pectoralis major. The flap consists of skin, subcutaneous tissue and the underlying pectoral epimysium. It has been used successfully to resurface contralateral soft tissue defects over the fingers, thumb and dorsum of the hand in eight cases. The advantages of this flap are that it provides reliable soft tissue cover to the hand, which can be kept in an elevated position resting comfortably on the contralateral pectoral region with the forearm and arm aligned conveniently in the cross-chest position. It does not interfere with clothing and dressing the lower part of the body in contrast to the groin, hypogastric or lower abdominal flaps, and it allows early ambulation. Primary closure of the donor site in the majority of cases is an added benefit.
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Department of Plastic Surgery, King George's Medical College, Lucknow, India. agarwals@lwl.vsnl.net.in
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Agarwal
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Agarwal
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chandra
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010369:Pectoralis Muscles / Q000637:transplantation*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013933:Thumb / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing