[Contribution to the anatomical study of medial arm flap]. / Contribuição ao estudo anatômico do retalho medial do braço.

The reports of transfer of the medial arm flap have been inconsistent, and confusion remains about its anatomy and use. The advantages of this donor site, however, justify new researches about the vascular anatomy of the flap. In this study, the vascular supply to the medial side of the arm was analysed in fifteen fresh cadaver dissections. The methods, the anatomical bases, and the technique of elevation of the flap were detailed. Methylene blue injection studies showed the extent of the medial arm flap. The authors found that, in most cases, the superior ulnar collateral artery was the main vessel of this flap, giving cutaneous branches to medial arm skin. The diameter of the superior ulnar collateral artery was measured and considered adequate for microsurgical transfer. If no major cutaneous branches are noted from superior ulnar collateral artery, then a significant direct cutaneous branch from the brachial artery will be always present. With this in mind, the dissection must initially proceed carefully, preserving all vessels that may contribute to cutaneous perfusion. The authors conclude that with knowledge of its anatomical variations, the medial arm flap is a plausible reconstructive option.

[Surgical approach to giant cell tumors of the distal radius]. / Abordagem cirúrgica do tumor de células gigantes da extremidade distal do rádio.

The authors review 15 patients with giant cell tumor of the distal part of the radius in the period from 1980 to 1993. Pain was always present. The treatment of stage 2 with marginal resection and methylmethacrylate yielded excellent result. In the treatment of stage 3 the authors emphasize the need of wide resection. In these patients the best functional results were obtained with the use of vascularized proximal epiphyseal fibular graft, preserving some painless mobility of the wrist and forearm.

[The use of hydroxyapatite in the surgical treatment of benign non aggressive bone lesions]. / O emprego da hidroxiapatita no tratamento cirúrgico das lesões ósseas benignas não agressivas.

The authors studied, in the period 1990-1993, 31 patients with benign non aggressive bone lesions, surgically treated with intralesional resection followed by the introduction of hydroxyapatite. Their follow-up was two years and one month. The authors discussed the surgical indications, the operative technique employed, and the post-operative results which were considered to be good in 29 of the patients studied. Occurred complications in three patients: local infections in two and sterile fistula in one. It is concluded that the use of hydroxyapatite is a good option as substitute of the autologous bone graft.