Brachioradialis flap for coverage after elbow flexion contracture release.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Anatomy

Background:

• Chronic elbow flexion contractures, often from spasticity or congenital issues, can lead to exposed antecubital neurovascular structures after release.
• Simple skin grafts or thin flaps are insufficient for protecting these deep structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of the brachioradialis muscle flap for coverage of anterior soft tissue defects in the antecubital fossa following contracture release.

Main Methods:

• The brachioradialis muscle was identified as a secondary elbow flexor with suitable vascularity.
• Surgical planning involved utilizing the brachioradialis muscle to cover exposed neurovascular structures.
• The muscle's capacity to support a skin paddle was considered.

Main Results:

• The brachioradialis muscle flap provides adequate surface area for coverage of deep antecubital structures.
• The muscle possesses robust vascular anatomy, capable of supporting a skin paddle.
• Removal of the brachioradialis muscle results in minimal functional morbidity.

Conclusions:

• The brachioradialis muscle flap is a valuable technique for simplifying wound closure in the antecubital fossa after releasing chronic elbow flexion contractures.
• This method ensures adequate protection for exposed neurovascular structures.