The free lateral arm flap in reconstructive hand surgery

Microsurgical tissue transplantation has provided a great advance in reconstructive surgery, especially regarding upper limb defects. Compared to conventional pedicled flaps, mobilisation can occur earlier, hospital stay is shorter and no additional interventions for pedicle detachment and flap inset are needed. The lateral arm flap is an exceptionally versatile free flap with straightforward dissection and low donor site morbidity. End-to-side anastomosis preserves blood flow through the main arteries to the hand and reduces the risk of vascular compromise of the hand, which is especially important in case of severe hand injuries. Sixteen patients who underwent hand reconstruction using the lateral arm free flap are reviewed. All arterial anastomoses were conducted in end-to-side-technique either to the radial or the ulnar artery. There was no total- or partial-flap failure and only one revisional procedure due to a haematoma under the anastomosis. Eight flaps required secondary defatting, combined with removal of osteosynthesis material or tenolysis. From our point of view the free lateral arm flap is a very reliable and versatile method to resurface small and medium sized hand defects.     

The lateral arm free flap in lower extremity reconstruction

Reconstruction of skin defects of the distal third of the leg and foot is often a difficult task. Shape, resistance to shearing stresses in the weight-bearing surface and sensibility are the main features that have to be restored. For coverage of this region, the authors have used, in selected patients, the lateral arm flap (LAF) since 1994. This flap is thin, easy to dissect and has the possibility to be innervated through the posterior cutaneous nerve of the arm. Fourteen cases are presented. The drawbacks of this flap are the loss of sensibility in the forearm (partially transient) and the scar on the arm, which can be rather unsightly in young ladies and when big flaps are harvested skin graft is needed.     

The use of a free and pedicled lateral arm flap for coverage of an extensive degloving injury of the upper extremity

Classical skin free flaps are rarely used to cover large skin defects of the upper extremity because of the limited donor size. Muscle flaps with a skin graft are preferred because they provide a large amount of cover and a good blood supply. A case report is presented in which a double skin flap was used to cover a large defect (40×8 cm) extending from the lateral humeral condyle to the dorsal aspect of the hand. A free lateral arm flap from the contra–lateral arm was successfully used in conjunction with a pedicled reversed lateral arm flap from the injured limb. We suggest that skin flaps should be considered for cover of skin defects. The lateral arm flap, which is a versatile flap, offers thin, pliable and sensate skin with minimal donor site morbidity.     

Reconstruction of foot dorsiflexion using lateral arm free flap with vascularized triceps tendon

A lateral arm free flap including vascularized triceps tendon was transferred to reconstruct the tibialis anterior tendon and skin defects over the anterior distal third of the left cruris of a patient who was injured by gunshot. Four months after surgery, the patient walked and ran well, and dorsiflexed his ankle joint actively to 10°. Considering cosmetic appearance, it was obvious that the flap suited the recipient area perfectly.     

臂外侧穿支皮瓣修复手指皮肤缺损的临床应用

目的 探讨臂外侧穿支皮瓣治疗手指皮肤缺损的临床效果. 方法 收集新鲜尸体10具(20侧),使用动脉显影技术进行灌注.CT扫描,数据导入Mimics图形工作站,对臂外侧穿支血管三维重建,并模拟皮瓣设计,所有标本CT扫描后统一进行尸体解剖;从2007年4月-2011年7月,对18例手指皮肤缺损的患者,缺损面积3 cm ×4 cm～6 cm ×9cm,采用游离臂外侧皮瓣修复皮肤缺损,术后随访其疗效. 结果 尸体解剖结果显示,肱深动脉穿支管径为(0.71±0.15)mm,肌穿支(Mc)蒂长与肌间隙穿支(Sc)蒂长之比为(2.74 ±0.42) cm:(2.96 ±0.37) cm;桡侧副动脉后支的穿支管径为(0.94±0.22) mm,肌穿支(Mc)蒂长与肌间隙穿支(Sc)蒂长之比为(4.78±0.63)cm:(4.86 ±0.51)cm.三维重建的结果显示,上臂外侧穿支血管主要来源于肱深动脉和桡侧副动脉后支的穿支.皮瓣一期全部成活,供区伤口直接缝合或植皮,一期愈合,所有18例病例均得到随访,随访时间6个月～3年,平均11个月,皮瓣外观稍臃肿,质地和感觉恢复较好. 结论 臂外侧穿支皮瓣营养血管解剖恒定,皮瓣质地和感觉恢复好,是修复手指外伤后中、小面积皮肤缺损的一种有效可行的方法.     

小腿外侧皮支皮瓣精细修复手背组织缺损

目的报道游离小腿外侧皮支皮瓣修复手背软组织的临床效果。方法采用吻合血管的游离小腿外侧皮支修复手背软组织缺损临床应用6例，皮肤缺损面积6．0cm×5．0cm×10．0cm×9．0cm，切取皮瓣面积最小为7．0cm×6．0cm，最大为13．0cm×10．0cm。结果皮瓣全部成活，随访6月-3年，皮瓣质地好，色泽正常，手外形与功能改善满意，痛、深触觉正常存在。小腿创面一期愈合，对功能无不良影响。结论小腿外侧皮支皮瓣修复手背软组织缺损，质地相似，修复手部创面效果好，是理想术式之一。     

Reversed lateral upper arm flap with a vascularised fragment of the humerus for reconstruction of ulna shaft fracture after resection of malignant tumour: A case report

The lateral upper arm flap (LAF) is used for a pedicled flap with the vascular arcade at the elbow. There has been no report, however, with regard to the reverse lateral upper arm flap (R-LAF) with a vascularised humerus as an osteocutaneous flap. We describe the case of a 72-year-old woman with a fracture of the ulna after wide resection of a malignant tumour at the proximal half of the forearm, which was reconstructed with an R-LAF with a vascularised fragment of the distal humerus. The flap has successfully survived and the fracture was healed without any adverse event. The R-LAF with vascularised bone is a useful option for the simultaneous treatment of soft tissue and bone defects.     

前臂骨间后动脉逆行岛状皮瓣的术式改进方法

目的探讨前臂骨间后动脉逆行岛状皮瓣的临床应用及术式改进的疗效。方法本组对30例手背皮肤缺损,4例虎口皮肤缺损,1例拇指背侧皮肤缺损,2例腕尺侧,1例腕屈侧皮肤缺损的患者行前臂骨间后动脉逆行岛状皮瓣修复术,并利用前臂背侧皮动脉改进手术。结果38例皮瓣全部成活,修复效果满意。结论前臂骨间后动脉逆行岛状皮瓣是修复手背部、虎口、腕尺侧、腕屈侧皮肤缺损的较好选择;对于没有条件行足趾游离移植再造拇指亦是一个可行的选择;改进的手术方法使皮瓣切取更容易,是手部皮肤缺损可供选择的有效术式。     

指侧方动脉皮支血管链皮瓣修复手指末节软组织缺损

目的 总结应用指侧方动脉皮支血管链皮瓣修复手指末节软组织缺损的临床疗效.方法 2011年1月-2013年3月,对24例由各种原因导致的手指末节软组织缺损采用指侧方动脉皮支血管链皮瓣修复创面,清创后创面缺损面积为2.0 cm×3.0 cm～3.0 cm×4.0 cm,皮瓣面积为3.0 cm×4.0 cm～4.0 cm×5.0 cm.结果 21例皮瓣全部成活,1例皮瓣边缘浅表坏死,1例皮瓣远端部分坏死,经二期扩创植皮后伤口愈合,另1例术后3d出现静脉危象,立即拆除部分蒂部过紧的缝合线,经换药两周后二期愈合.结论 指侧方动脉皮支血管链皮瓣是修复手指末节软组织缺损较好的修复方法.     

上臂内侧扩张皮瓣修复颜面部缺损

目的　探讨上臂内侧扩张皮瓣的血液供应及用于修复面部瘢痕挛缩的方法。　方法　选择面部瘢痕挛缩患者 7例 ,Ⅰ期手术时将扩张器置入上臂内侧深筋膜浅层。Ⅱ期手术时 ,利用尺侧上副动脉供血、贵要静脉属支及腋静脉属支回流的上臂内侧扩张皮瓣带蒂转移 ,Ⅲ期时用扩张皮瓣断蒂修复面部瘢痕挛缩 ,扩张皮瓣面积最大 15cm× 10cm。　结果　移植皮瓣全部成活 ,皮瓣色泽接近面部正常组织 ,外形良好 ,上臂内侧供瓣区遗留较小切口瘢痕。　结论　将扩张器置于上臂内侧皮肤深筋膜浅层形成的扩张皮瓣用于修复面部瘢痕挛缩 ,是一个可行的方法 ,但治疗需要时间较长 ,上肢与头的强迫体位固定是其不足。     

The free lateral thigh flap

Experience with 13 free lateral thigh flaps is presented. In only one case was there necrosis and this was partial. The method of raising the flap is describe in detail and the advantages and disadvantages are described. This flap is more difficult to raise than the medial thigh flap and care must be taken in searching for its supplying vascular pepdicle.     

The free lateral thigh flap

Summary Experience with 13 free lateral thigh flaps is presented. In only one case was there necrosis and this was partial. The method of raising the flap is described in detail and the advantages and disadvantages are described. This flap is more difficult to raise than the medial thigh flap and care must be taken in searching for its supplying vascular pedicle.     

侧胸游离皮瓣修复面颈部软组织缺损

临床应用侧胸皮瓣进行带蒂、岛状、吻合血管的游离移植已多年。这一皮瓣具有多血管供血、质地薄软、无毛发生长、供区大而隐蔽及易于直接缝合等突出优点。我们为16名面颈部软组织缺损病例采用吻合血管的侧胸游离皮瓣修复,13例全部成活,3例失败。并对手术适应证和禁忌证、皮瓣的切取方式及范围进行了讨论。术中采用了血液稀释和血管吻合轮技术。     

侧胸游离皮瓣修复面颈部软组织缺损

临床应用侧胸皮瓣进行带蒂、岛状、吻合血管的游离移植已多年。这一皮瓣具有多血管供血、质地薄软、无毛发生长、供区大而隐蔽及易于直接缝合等突出优点。我们为１６名面颈部软组织缺损病例采用吻合血管的侧胸游离皮瓣修复，１３例全部成活，３例失败。并对手术适应证和禁忌证、皮瓣的切取方式及范围进行了讨论。术中采用了血液稀释和血管吻合轮技术。     

The anatomical basis of the lateral thoracic flap

Summary A modified Type B fasciocutaneous flap can be safely raised in the lateral thoracic region due to its rich vascularisation. This paper described the anatomical basis for such a flap, based on 18 dissections in 9 cadavers. The multiple direct cutaneous perforators which supply this region were found to be fairly constant and of adequate calibre to sustain a fasciocutaneous flap.     

游离足跗外侧皮瓣移植修复手部软组织缺损

目的 探讨应用游离足跗外侧皮瓣移植修复手部软组织缺损的临床效果.方法 对35例手部软组织缺损,采用以足跗外侧动脉血管为蒂的足跗外侧皮瓣游离移植,皮瓣切取面积为4 cm×3 cm～8 cm×4 cm.结果 术后皮瓣全部存活,经6～ 18个月的随访,皮瓣质地好,不臃肿,色泽与手部皮肤相似,感觉恢复良好,手功能满意.结论 足跗外侧皮瓣的血管解剖恒定、皮瓣质量好,是修复中小面积的手部软组织缺损的有效方法.     

上臂内侧皮瓣血管的解剖学研究

目的:本研究旨在通过对上臂内侧皮瓣深筋膜浅层以上血管的解剖学研究,为临床应用上臂内侧扩张皮瓣提供理论指导。方法:新鲜成人上肢标本10侧,左右各半,乳胶灌注血管。四倍放大镜下由浅入深进行解剖,观察浅筋膜层内血管的吻合情况、吻合支的数量及皮动脉穿出深筋膜的位置。结果:上臂内侧自深筋膜浅层平面发出的皮动脉8～9支,各皮动脉于深筋膜浅层内发出分支沿纵行方向相互吻合。上臂皮瓣的中轴部位即内侧肌间隔区域吻合支最为丰富,其次为上臂内侧偏后部分。每侧肢体均有2～5支明显的贯串上臂全长的吻合支,多位于皮瓣的中部及偏后侧部位。皮动脉穿出点集中在臂内侧肌间隔区域,最远分支距肘横纹(3.47±1.50)cm,近端分支距腋窝横皱襞距离(1.64±1.22)cm。结论:上臂内侧皮瓣血供介于轴型皮瓣与任意型皮瓣之间,切取时长宽比例超过任意型皮瓣。皮瓣为双向供血,无论以近端为蒂还是以远端为蒂切取皮瓣均是安全的。以内侧肌间隔为轴线,沿深筋膜浅层设计顺行或逆行皮瓣血供均可靠,切取皮瓣安全,如需扩大切取皮瓣,向后扩展延伸比向前扩展血供更可靠。皮瓣制作时蒂部尽可能置于肌间隔区域,蒂宽约4cm。以近端为蒂时,扩张器剥离腔隙近端距腋窝横皱襞需超过3cm,远端为蒂时,扩张器剥离腔隙远端距肘横纹需超过5cm。     

旋股外侧动脉降支多叶组织瓣修复手部多部位软组织缺损

目的 探讨旋股外侧动脉降支多叶瓣修复手部多部位软组织缺损的手术方法和临床效果。方法对手部多部位软组织缺损15例,采用旋股外侧动脉降支多叶瓣修复,根据手部缺损情况设计股前外侧皮瓣,沿皮瓣穿支血管向远端继续解剖旋股外侧动脉降支,考虑好手部各缺损处间距,按需切取分叶穿支皮瓣、阔筋膜瓣、股直肌肌瓣、股外侧肌肌瓣、股中间肌肌瓣或旋股外侧动脉降支远端肌间隔瓣。形成以旋股外侧动脉降支为主干的一蒂多叶瓣,在肌瓣及阔筋膜瓣上植皮,一次修复手部多部位软组织缺损。 结果 术后无血管危象发生。修复各创面在肌瓣、阔筋膜瓣或旋股外侧动脉降支远端血管肌间隔上植皮均成活良好,外形无臃肿,植皮处恢复保护性感觉,供区创面愈合好,股四头肌肌力及膝关节屈、伸活动均正常。全部病例获得随访,随访时间6 ～ 20个月,平均8.7个月。按中华医学会手外科学会上肢部分功能评定标准：优3例,良9例,可3例,优良率80％。 结论 旋股外侧动脉降支多叶瓣能一次修复手部多部位软组织缺损,缩短手术时间及疗程,手部功能恢复良好,外形满意,是修复手部多部位软组织缺损的理想方法。     

扩张后的上臂内侧逆行皮瓣在面部瘢痕挛缩合并鼻缺损修复中的应用

目的 探讨扩张后的上臂内侧逆行皮瓣的血液供应,及其在大面积面部瘢痕挛缩合并鼻缺损修复中的应用.方法 选择一侧无明显瘢痕的上臂,Ⅰ期手术将800 ml扩张器置入上臂内侧深筋膜浅层;Ⅱ期分别将皮瓣两侧及近心端行延迟手术;Ⅲ期以肘部为蒂将延迟皮瓣转移至颜面、鼻部,皮瓣面积最大20 cm×18 cm;Ⅳ期行断蒂手术.结果 自2000年3月至2006年7月,对11例大面积的面部瘢痕挛缩合并鼻缺损的患者进行修复.术后经1～3年的随访观察,所有患者的移植皮瓣完全成活,皮瓣色泽、质地与面部皮肤接近,移位器官复位良好,鼻外形满意.结论 扩张后的上臂内侧逆行皮瓣能提供充足的组织量,将大面积的面部瘢痕挛缩和鼻缺损作为一个单元一次性进行修复,方法可行.但疗程较长,上肢与头部的强迫体位固定是其不足.