Outcome of local anconeus flap transfer to cover soft tissue defects over the posterior aspect of the elbow

Abstract

Background: To report the outcome of using local pedicled anconeus flap (LPAF) to cover soft tissue defects over the posterior aspect of the elbow.

Methods: Twenty elbows in 20 patients who had chronic soft tissue defects over the posterior aspect of the elbow that were managed with the use of LPAF were included in this study. The mean soft tissue defect size averaged 4 × 3 cm (range, 2 × 3 cm to 7 × 4 cm). The mean duration of symptoms was 11 months (range, 4-96), and the mean number of debridement and attempt at closure of the wound defect before the flap was performed was 3 (range, 2-7).

Results: Wound healing occurred in all elbows at an average 3 weeks (range, 2-5) after surgery. No flap complication either at the time of the surgery or postoperatively was recorded. At the final follow-up that averaged 17 months (range, 15-20) after surgery, there were significant improvements in the subjective elbow value (SEV) and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) from average 70% (range, 50-80%) and 74% (range, 65-80%) to an average 95% (80-100%) and 90% (range, 85-100%), respectively (P = .001). All patients had full range of motion of the elbow, and all were satisfied with the surgery and would do it again.

Conclusion: The LAPF is a reliable flap that could be used to cover chronic soft tissue defect around the posterior aspect of the elbow, with expected wound healing in all patients at an average of 3 weeks after surgery.