Lateral Arm Flap: Its Usage as Pedicle and Free Flap

Area of Science:

• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Microsurgery
• Surgical Anatomy

Background:

• The lateral arm flap is a versatile option for local and microvascular reconstruction.
• It offers advantages such as minimal donor site morbidity and thin, pliable tissue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of using the lateral arm flap in both free and pedicled reconstructive procedures.
• To share institutional experience with this reconstructive technique.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 33 lateral arm flap procedures performed between January 2012 and December 2019.
• Data collected included patient demographics, defect characteristics, flap size, and outcomes.
• Free flap specific data included recipient artery and venous anastomosis details.

Main Results:

• 33 lateral arm flaps were performed (23 free, 10 pedicled).
• Free flaps averaged 12x6 cm; pedicled flaps averaged 8x5 cm.
• Three free flaps failed (two due to arterial anastomosis issues); no pedicled flaps failed.

Conclusions:

• The lateral arm flap demonstrates reliability and consistent anatomy for reconstructive purposes.
• It is a viable option for coverage in various anatomical locations.
• Pedicled lateral arm flaps showed a higher success rate in this series.