title: [Applications of free lateral arm flap for hand and forearm defect reconstruction].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this retrospective study was to verify the advantages and disadvantages of the free lateral arm flap for defect reconstruction of the forearm and hand.
  
  
  METHODS
  The data of 21 patients who underwent defect coverage of the forearm and hand with the free lateral arm flap between 2002 and 2010 were analyzed. The mean patient age was 48 years (range 17-78 years). The results concerning defect origin, flap size, pedicle length, operative time, revision of the anastomosis or other complications, donor site morbidity and length of hospital stay were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 6 cases the defect was on the forearm and in 15 on the hand. The majority of defects were infections or chronic wounds. The overage flap width ranged from 3 to 8 cm and the length from 5 to 20 cm. Revision of the anastomosis was only necessary in one case and flap survival rate was 100%. In all patients primary closure of the donor site was possible without complications during the healing procedure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results underline the good reliability of the free lateral arm flap with a satisfactory aesthetic appearance excellent tissue quality and frequent primary donor site closure.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Plastische, Hand- und Rekonstruktive Chirurgie, Interdisziplinäres Tumorzentrum Nord-West-Main-Taunus, Kliniken des Main-Taunus-Kreises GmbH, Bad Soden am Taunus, Deutschland. msauerbier@kliniken-mtk.de
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sauerbier
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Giessler
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Germann
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sedigh Salakdeh
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Döll
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005543:Forearm Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
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