Evaluation of the donor site morbidity after lateral arm flap with skin paddle extending over the elbow joint.
Br J Plast Surg
; 53(3): 215-9, 2000 Apr.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-10738327
ABSTRACT
The free lateral arm flap may be extended to include the skin over the lateral aspect of the elbow and the forearm. However, extending the flap beyond the lateral condyle has been thought to interfere with the elbow function. The aim of this study was to assess the donor site morbidity after placement of the skin paddle across the lateral aspect of the elbow joint. Seventeen consecutive lateral arm flaps with a skin paddle designed over the elbow joint were performed for different indications. Eleven patients were followed up postoperatively for a minimum of 6 months. The range of motion, torque, power and endurance of the elbow joint were recorded using a Cybex 340 isometric dynamometer. The values of the operated elbow were compared to those of the unoperated elbow and the deficits were expressed in percentages. The touch sensation in the territory of the posterior cutaneous nerve of the forearm was assessed using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. Patient satisfaction was evaluated with a self-assessment scale. The donor site scar was stretched in one patient. No patient complained of elbow pain or cold intolerance. Elbow mobility was not significantly affected by flap harvesting (P = 0.06). An extension deficit of 4% was found in four patients. The mean torque, power and endurance deficits were 7.3%, 7.5% and 4.4% respectively as compared to the contralateral side. Complete loss of sensation was not present in any of the donor sites. However, an area of hypoaesthesia with a mean size of 45 cm(2)(range 20-75 cm(2)) was found on the posterolateral surface of the forearm. Patient satisfaction with the donor site was rated high. From this retrospective review it appears that elbow function was not significantly affected by extending or planning the lateral arm flap over the lateral condyle.
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Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Colgajos Quirúrgicos
/
Codo
Tipo de estudio:
Observational_studies
Límite:
Adolescent
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Adult
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Br J Plast Surg
Año:
2000
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Bélgica
Pais de publicación:
ENGLAND
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ESCOCIA
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GB
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GREAT BRITAIN
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INGLATERRA
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REINO UNIDO
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SCOTLAND
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UK
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UNITED KINGDOM