Ulnar recurrent adipofascial flap for reconstruction of massive defects around the elbow and forearm.
An ulnar recurrent adipofascial flap was raised and turned over to reconstruct massive defects around the elbow and forearm after wide resection of malignant tumours. Compared to the fasciocutaneous flap, the ulnar recurrent adipofascial flap has the following advantages: (1) a larger flap can be harvested without the problem of primary closure of the donor site, (2) the contour and scar of the donor site is reasonably acceptable since no tension is presented, (3) the flap can be turned over to cover a wider area, and (4) debulking of the flap can be performed during the operation if needed. The rotation arc of the ulnar recurrent adipofascial flap reaches a wide region, including the distal one-half of the upper arm, the elbow, and the proximal two-thirds of the forearm. Sensory deficit in the forearm was avoided in our patients because meticulous separation and preservation of the medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm was achieved without jeopardising the blood supply to the flap. The ulnar recurrent adipofascial flap is an easy and reliable option for one-stage reconstruction of massive defects around the elbow.
Hayashi
A
A
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Toho University Sakura Hospital, 564-1 Shimoshizu, Sakura City, Chiba, 285-8741, Japan. prshayap@med.toho-u.ac.jp
Maruyama
Y
Y
Saze
M
M
Okada
E
E
D004550:Elbow / Q000601:surgery*; D005542:Forearm / Q000601:surgery*; D018219:Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps