[Clinical application of the medial fasciocutaneous flap of arm].
OBJECTIVE
To study the clinical application of the medial arm fasciocutaneous flap based on the medial septocutaneous branches of the brachial vessel.


METHODS
Since 1994, the medial arm fasciocutaneous flap based on the medial septocutaneous branches of the branchial vessel has been used to cure scar contracture of axillary and elbow joint, radiated ulcer of the chest wall. Eighteen clinical cases were reported. Among them, there were 14 males and 4 females, aged from 6 to 48 years old. The flaps, of which 3 were proximally based and 15 distally based, were designed 23 cm x 11 cm as maximal size and 10 cm x 6 cm as minimal size.


RESULTS
All the flaps survived and the excellent function and cosmetic result were achieved.


CONCLUSIONS
The medial arm fasciocutaneous flap is thin, soft and relatively hairless, so it is suitable for repairing the soft tissue defect of the axillary or elbow joint. There are consistently present perforators at both ends that allow one to rotate long flaps around pivoting points immediate to the areas needing coverage. Moreover, this flap is characterized by the simplicity of the surgical techniques and circulatory reliability.
Li
F C
FC
Department of Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou Jiangsu, P. R. China 221002.
Guan
W X
WX
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000601:surgery*; D003286:Contracture / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D000092464:Elbow Injuries