Versatility of the lateral arm free flap in various anatomic defect reconstructions

The free lateral arm flap may be harvested as a fascial, fasciocutaneous, or osteofasciocutaneous flap. Simultaneous flap elevation with preparation of the recipient site, easy dissection, minimal donor-site morbidity, and a constant vascular anatomy with long pedicle are advantages of the flap. In this study, the authors present 18 patients operated on between January, 2002 and August, 2003 in whom 18 free lateral arm flaps were utilized. There were four women and 14 men, and the mean patient age was 40 years. Thirteen fasciocutaneous, three fascial, and two osteofasciocutaneous flaps were used. Flaps were employed for the reconstruction of the lower extremity in five patients, upper extremity in nine patients, and head and neck in four patients. Thirteen flaps were elevated under axillary block and five flaps under general anesthesia. Aspirin, dipirydamol, dextran, and chlorpromazine were administered postoperatively. Venous insufficiency developed in two lower-extremity reconstructions on postoperative day 1. Venous thromboses were detected, anastomoses were re-done, and flaps healed uneventfully. No other postoperative complication was observed in the other patients. The free lateral arm flap may be used in various anatomic defects with various indications. It may be elevated under axillary block for extremity reconstructions.