Lateral Arm Flap Usage as Pedicle and Free Flap

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Abstract Introduction For local reconstruction on upper extremity or as a distant micro vascular flap Lateral arm free flap is an excellent source of tissue with the advantages including short operation time, thin pliable tissue, non-dominant vessel and minimal donor site morbidity, it fulfills the goal of an optimal reconstruction of form, function, and aesthetics .Here the investigator share his experience of lateral arm fasciocutaneous flap, investigator found it effective in covering defects secondary to trauma, malignancy and burns. Methods A retrospective data analysis was done to analyze our usage of lateral arm flap. This included patient's age, sex, primary problem, area involved, size of the flap and outcome of the flap 3 weeks post operatively. For free flaps this also included the recipient artery used for anastomosis and the number of veins anastomosed. Results There were 21 flaps done over a period of five years. This included 11 free flaps and 10 pedicle flaps. Average size of free flap was 12x5 cm and that of pedicle flap was 8x5 cm. In the free flap group, there was failure in 2 flaps both of which were due to arterial anastomoses in zone of injury. In the pedicle flap group however, there were no failures. Conclusion Lateral arm flap is a reliable flap with consistent anatomy that can be used for coverage in different parts of the body.

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