Reconstruction of a defect fracture of the upper arm using the osteomyocutaneous flap

Summary Reconstruction of an open defect fracture of the upper arm is described. Primary reconstruction by a posteriorly based osteomyocutaneous intercostal transposition flap was used. The soft tissue defect in the triceps area was easily covered by the transposed skin. Except for the radial nerve which was affected by tension, no further major nerve or vessel was damaged. Two months after the first operation the radial nerve was reconstructed by microsurgical neurolysis.