[Repair of electric burn wound in the upper limbs with lateral intercostal perforator-based pedicled flap].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe an operative method for the repair of electric burn wound in the upper limbs with lateral intercostal perforator-based pedicled flap, and to observe its clinical effect. METHODS: Intercostal artery perforator-based pedicled abdominal flap with the blood supply originating from the lateral perforator branches of the 7th-10th intercostal arteries were used to repair the wounds of 6 patients with burn wounds in elbows, forearm, wrists and palms. The pedicles were (16. 0 cm x 12. 0 cm) - (9. 0 cm x 7.0 cm) in area, and the pedicles were severed 18 to 21 days after the operation. The survival and the appearance of the flaps were observed after operation. RESULTS: The procedure was easy and safe, and there was reliable and adequate blood supply in the lateral intercostal perforator-based pedicled flap. All the flaps survived in 5 patients, except marginal necrosis (3.5 cm x 2. 0 cm) was found in the distal portion of flap because flap cutting exceeded the paraumbilical line. The appearance was satisfactory after operation. CONCLUSION: This flap is suitable for the repair of deep wounds in hands, forearms, and elbows.