Revisiting Pedicled Medial Arm Flap for Soft Tissue Defects Around Elbow in Pediatric Patients

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Author(s): Muhammad Omar Afzal,1 Aroobah Iqbal,2 Javeria Khan,3 Sadia Hussain,4 Muhammad Ahsan Riaz,5 Umar Asif6

Received: 29/07/2024 | Revised: 01/09/2024 | Published: 04/09/2024 | Pages: 7-11 | DOI: https://www.ejmanager.com/mnstemps/249/249-1722230826.pdf?t=1778566413


Elbow defects present intricate challenges in reconstructive surgery due to the joint’s complex anatomy and functional requirements. Objective: Objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of perforator-based medial arm flap reconstruction for anterior elbow defects that circumvent the injury of the main source vessel in pediatric patients.

Methodology: This prospective study was done in Mayo Burn & Reconstructive Surgery department from November 2022 to November 2023. Pediatric patients requiring reconstruction of small to medium sized soft tissue defects around the elbow were included. The study describes the surgical technique, the anatomy of perforators, outcomes and challenges associated with this approach.

Results: 15 consecutive patients were treated with perforator based pedicled medial arm flap. Results showed a consistently located perforator near the medial epicondyle, enabling successful flap harvesting and viability. Post-operative outcomes revealed high flap survival rates with minimal complications.

Conclusion: The technique offers a reliable option for elbow defect coverage due to the consistent location of the perforator.

Keywords: Medial Arm Flap, Perforator flap, Elbow wounds.