[Repair of the large skin and vessel defect of upper arm with free anterolateral thigh flap].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore an effective method for repairing the large skin and vessel defect of upper arm. METHODS: The large skin defect was repaired by the free anterolateral thigh flap. The vessel defect was reconstructed with the end branch of descending branch from lateral femoral circumflex artery, or the large muscular branch through bridge-like vascular anastomosis. RESULTS: Since 2003, 5 cases were treated. All the flaps survived completely with a soft tissue texture. They were followed up for 8-24 months. The cosmetic and functional results were both satisfactory with less morbidity in the donor sites. The blood supply of the flap and the end of extremities was not affected by weather. CONCLUSIONS: Anterolateral thigh flap is very suitable for large skin and vessel defect of upper arm.