Recent Advances in Upper Extremity Microsurgery: From Traditional to Perforator Flaps

The upper extremity has unique functional and aesthetic requirements. Reconstruction of upper extremity soft tissue defects should ideally provide coverage for vital structures, facilitate early mobilization, be thin and pliable to match its slim contour, and reestablish sensation. Perforator flaps can be raised on the superficial fascia, which creates a thin and pliable yet durable and supple flap option to match the contour and functional needs of the upper extremity. Comparisons to traditional reconstructive methods should be performed to assess whether these innovations in microsurgical reconstruction of upper extremity defects provide an improved functional and aesthetic benefit over traditional methods.