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The free lateral arm flap—a reliable option for reconstruction of the forearm and hand

  • Surgery Articles
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HAND

Abstract

Background

This retrospective study was performed to verify the advantages and disadvantages of the free lateral arm flap for defect reconstruction of the forearm and hand.

Patients and Methods

Between 2001 and 2010, 21 patients underwent defect coverage of the forearm and hand with the free lateral arm flap. The mean patient age was 48 years (17–78). The results concerning defect origin, flap size, pedicle length, operative time, revisions of the anastomoses or other complications, donor site morbidity, and length of hospital stay were evaluated.

Results

The majority of defects were caused by infections or chronic wounds. The defects were localized at the forearm in 6 cases and at the hand in 15 cases. The flap width ranged from 3 to 8 cm, and the length was from 5 to 20 cm. All flaps survived. Only in one case, a revision of the anastomosis was necessary. Primary closure of the donor site was possible in all patients. No complications occurred during the healing procedure. The majority of the patients were satisfied with the aesthetic result at the recipient site as well as at the donor site.

Conclusion

The free lateral arm flap is a very reliable option for defect coverage at the forearm and hand for small and medium size defects. A satisfactory aesthetic appearance, an excellent tissue quality, and frequent primary donor site closure are great advantages for selecting this flap.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest, commercial associations, or intent of financial gain regarding this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department for Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery - Cooperation Department for Plastic Surgery of the University Hospital Frankfurt, Main-Taunus-Hospitals GmbH, Kronberger Str. 36, 65812, Bad Soden am Taunus, Germany

    M. Sauerbier & M. Döll

  2. Ethianum Heidelberg, Clinic for Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic Surgery and Preventive Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany

    G. Germann

  3. Department for Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery, BG Trauma Center Murnau, Murnau, Germany

    G. A. Giessler

  4. Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany

    M. Sedigh Salakdeh

Authors
  1. M. Sauerbier
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  2. G. Germann
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  3. G. A. Giessler
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  4. M. Sedigh Salakdeh
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  5. M. Döll
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. Sauerbier.

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Sauerbier, M., Germann, G., Giessler, G.A. et al. The free lateral arm flap—a reliable option for reconstruction of the forearm and hand. HAND 7, 163–171 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11552-012-9395-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11552-012-9395-3

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