title: Free muscle flaps for reconstruction of upper limb defects.
abstract: Restoration of structure, function, and sensation are critical after trauma or tumor resection of the hand. Thorough debridement, reconstruction of functional structures, and immediate soft tissue coverage are most effectively performed in a single stage within approximately 24 hours of the injury. Skin flaps provide robust, pliable, and cosmetically appropriate tissue that is not prone to contracture and that facilitates secondary reconstructive work. Muscle flaps retain indications for complex defects with substantial initial contamination or dead space, or for reanimation. In this article, the indications, options, and surgical techniques for free muscle flap reconstruction of upper limb defects are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK. Electronic address: markschaverien@fastmail.fm.
authors.forename: Mark V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Schaverien
authors.affiliation: Canniesburn Plastic Surgery Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, The University of Glasgow, Jubilee Building, 84 Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0SF, UK.
authors.forename: Andrew M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Hart
mesh_terms: D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D003646:Debridement; D006801:Humans; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000637:transplantation*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps
keywords: Complex upper extremity injury; Free muscle flaps; Functional muscle transfer; Indications; Reanimation; Timing of reconstruction