Pedicled radial forearm flaps for recalcitrant defects about the elbow

Chronic, open wounds about the elbow frequently require flap coverage. Skin grafts, local transposition flaps, muscle transposition flaps, and two-staged pedicled flaps from the chest and abdomen as well as free tissue transfers have all been reported. Recalcitrant elbow defects in patients in whom these previous flaps have failed are especially challenging to the upper extremity reconstructive surgeon. We have successfully employed pedicled radial forearm flaps in three patients in whom one or more previous flaps have failed.