title: Super-thinned iliac flap for major defects on the elbow and wrist flexion creases.
abstract: Four free iliac flaps were used to treat or prevent flexion contracture at the elbow or wrist flexion crease. Flap size ranged from 13 x 6 cm to 18 x 8 cm. Two flaps were used for primary coverage, and the other 2 flaps were used to treat established flexion contractures. All flaps survived without vascular complications. Full range of motion was obtained at the elbow and 40 degrees of active extension was obtained at the wrist. The flap has a very thin dermis with minimal panniculus that can be thinned as required, making it ideal to cover flexion creases. Despite the fact that anatomic variations are common in the inguinal region, the flap can be expeditiously and safely elevated. If needed, pedicle length can be up to 8 to 10 cm. The donor site is comparable with that of a full-thickness skin graft harvested from the groin. The donor artery, however, can be very small.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Cirugía Plástica y de la Mano, Santander, Spain. drpinal@drpinal.com
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: del Piñal
authors.forename: Francisco J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: García-Bernal
authors.forename: Alexis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Studer
authors.forename: Higinio
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ayala
authors.forename: Leopoldo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cagigal
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Regalado
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003286:Contracture / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004551:Elbow Joint; D006119:Groin; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014955:Wrist Joint; D055815:Young Adult