The pedicled reverse-flow lateral arm flap for coverage of complex traumatic elbow injuries.
OBJECTIVE
The pedicled reverse-flow lateral arm flap has been described primarily for the reconstruction of nontraumatic elbow wounds. We describe our experience using this flap in staged operations for soft tissue coverage after elbow trauma, including acute coverage of open fractures and salvage of infected hardware.


METHODS
Review of patients who underwent staged pedicled reverse-flow lateral arm flap transfer for coverage of traumatic elbow defects.


RESULTS
Three patients were identified; all underwent 2-stage repair with flap delay for coverage of traumatic elbow injuries. Each patient had stable wound coverage with this flap. The only complication was 5% distal flap necrosis in 1 patient.


CONCLUSIONS
The pedicled reverse-flow lateral arm flap provides reliable soft tissue coverage of traumatic elbow defects with minimal donor-site morbidity.
Division of Plastic Surgery, The Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
Clinton S
CS
Morrison
Stephen R
SR
Sullivan
Reena A
RA
Bhatt
Johnny T
JT
Chang
Helena O
HO
Taylor
D000328:Adult; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003097:Collateral Circulation; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000098:blood supply; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D000092464:Elbow Injuries