title: Donor-site morbidity of the sensate extended lateral arm flap.
abstract: The free extended lateral arm flap (ELAF) has gained increasing popularity thank to its slimness and versatility, longer neurovascular pedicle, and greater flap size when compared with the original flap design. The aim of this study was to assess the donor-site morbidity associated with this extended procedure. A retrospective study of 25 consecutive patients analyzing postoperative complications using a visual analogue scale questionnaire revealed high patients satisfaction and negligible donor-site morbidity of the ELAF. Scar visibility was the commonest negative outcome. Impaired mobility of the elbow had the highest correlation with patient dissatisfaction. Sensory deficits or paresthetic disorders did not affect patient satisfaction. The extension of the lateral arm flap and positioning over the lateral humeral epicondyle is a safe and well-accepted procedure with minimal donor-site morbidity. To optimize outcomes, a maximal flap width of 6 or 7 cm and intensive postoperative mobilization therapy is advisable.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Depner
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Erba
authors.forename: Ulrich M
authors.initials: UM
authors.lastname: Rieger
authors.forename: Fabienne
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Iten
authors.forename: Dirk J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Schaefer
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Haug
mesh_terms: D001132:Arm; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome