Refinement of the island pedicle flap: parallel placed release incisions to increase translation movement.
BACKGROUND
The island pedicle flap is a widely used flap for reconstructions in the face and on the extremities. The movement of the flap is limited because of the traditionally inferiorly based pedicle that allowed only rotation or advancement.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose was to enhance translation movement by modifying the pedicle.


METHODS
The modification of the flap is demonstrated with graphics and documented with photographs.


RESULTS
Parallel release incisions did not interfere with the viability of the island pedicle flap.


CONCLUSIONS
Parallel incisions enhance largely the translation vector of the island pedicle flap and the myocutaneous island flap without interfering with the viability of the flap.
Skaria
A M
AM
University of Geneva, Vevey, Switzerland. askaria@iprolink.ch
D002610:Cheek; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015580:Mohs Surgery; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps