The vascularized cutaneous scapular flap

Five cases of cutaneous free tissue transfer using the cutaneous and circumflex scapular vessels are presented. The free scapular flap is an excellent choice when intermediate-sized (6 to 10 by 10 to 16 cm) uninnervated flap coverage is necessary and cannot be achieved by conventional methods. The flap is exposed easily and has a constant artery and venous system, 2- to 3-mm-diameter vessels, and a 4- to 6-cm vascular pedicle. The shoulder donor site can be closed primarily. Like all shoulder wounds, it has a tendency to spread, but not functional deficit exists at the shoulder or on the posterior chest wall.