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Versatility of lateral arm flap for hand reconstruction—a clinical experience

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European Journal of Plastic Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

The lateral arm free flap (LAFF) has several advantages in hand reconstruction due to multiple factors. We aimed to show the versatility of LAFF in treating hand defects.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all LAAF for hand reconstruction carried out at our institutions between August 2006 and August 2012 was undertaken. Clinical records were reviewed with respect to patients’ age and gender, size and location of defect, type and size of flaps, and complications.

Results

Twenty-four hand defects were reconstructed using LAFF. These included 15 cutaneous flaps, 8 fascial flaps, and 1 osteocutaneous flap. All flaps survived well except for one case that developed arterial insufficiency and required anastomotic revision. Primary closure of the donor site was possible in all patients. No complications occurred during the healing procedure.

Conclusions

The free lateral arm flap is a versatile and reliable option for defect coverage at the hand for small- and medium-size defects. It can be raised as a cutaneous, fascial, or osteocutaneous flap. Several advantages favor the use of lateral arm flap in hand reconstruction. These include preservation of major arm blood vessels, its constant vascular anatomy, long pedicle, and low donor site morbidity.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thanks Dr. Jinsoo Kim, Dr. Dong Chulee and Dr. Jae-Won Yang for their support and guidance at the Kwang-Myung Sung-Ae General Hospital and assistance during the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hand and Microsurgery Center, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kwang-Myung Sung-Ae General hospital, Gwang- Myeong, South Korea

    Qutaibah Al-Kandari

  2. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Al-Babtain Center, Kuwait City, Kuwait

    Abeer Kalandar & Hisham Burezq

  3. Jamal Abdul Naser Street, Sabah Medical Region, Albabtain Center for Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ministry of Health-Kuwait, Eastern Granada Road., Kuwait city, Kuwait

    Abeer Kalandar

Authors
  1. Qutaibah Al-Kandari
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  2. Abeer Kalandar
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  3. Hisham Burezq
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Abeer Kalandar.

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Conflicts of interest

Qutaibah Al-Kandari, Abeer Kalandar, and Hisham Burezq declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical standards

For this kind of retrospective study a formal consent from a local ethics committee is not required.

Patient consent

Patients provided written consent before their inclusion in this study.

Funding

No funding was received for this work.

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Al-Kandari, Q., Kalandar, A. & Burezq, H. Versatility of lateral arm flap for hand reconstruction—a clinical experience. Eur J Plast Surg 39, 435–440 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-016-1211-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-016-1211-9

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