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The posterior arm flap—our department’s experience

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Abstract

Since being described by Masquelet in 1982, little has been published about the posterior arm flap (PAF). It is a fasciocutaneous flap from the posterior surface of the arm, supplied by the posterior brachial cutaneous artery and innervated by the first medial sensory branch of the radial nerve. In this article, we will present an anatomico-functional description of the PAF and report our department’s experience with its use, and a review of its potential indications. In the last 7 years, 14 flaps were harvested in 12 patients who underwent a reconstructive procedure. The PAF is a useful and reliable flap with several advantages. It is an excellent option as a pedicled flap for axillary and upper arm reconstruction; as a free flap, it has been used with very good results in face and foot reconstruction.

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Correspondence to Horacio Costa.

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Costa, M.L.R., Azevedo, L., Zenha, H. et al. The posterior arm flap—our department’s experience. Eur J Plast Surg 34, 119–124 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-010-0464-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-010-0464-y

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