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. 2016 Sep-Dec;49(3):357-361.
doi: 10.4103/0970-0358.197235.

Awkward defects around the elbow: The radial recurrent artery flap revisited

Maksud M Devale  1 , Rohit P Munot  1 , Chirag A Bhansali  1 , Neeraj D Bhaban  1
Affiliations

Awkward defects around the elbow: The radial recurrent artery flap revisited

Maksud M Devale et al. Indian J Plast Surg. 2016 Sep-Dec.

Abstract

Background: Soft tissue defects on the posterior aspect of the elbow are commonly seen in patients treated with internal fixation for fractures around the elbow joint. An axial flap based on the radial recurrent artery (RRA) is very useful for such defects, especially if a posterior midline arm incision has been taken for skeletal fixation. The aim of this study is to describe the usefulness of RRA flap (based on the RRA) in the management of such defects.

Materials and methods: We present a retrospective analysis of 4 cases managed with the RRA flap for soft tissue reconstruction of defects around the elbow joint at our institute from January 2015 to August 2016. All the patients were males with a history of exposed implant following internal fixation of olecranon/distal humerus fracture. The size of defects ranged from 4 cm × 4 cm to 7 cm × 5 cm. Results of the analysis are presented here.

Results: All flaps survived completely. There was no infection, hematoma or distal neurovascular deficit. There was minimal donor site morbidity.

Conclusion: The RRA flap is a useful, simple flap for defects around the elbow joint in select patients providing one stage, reliable, cosmetically acceptable coverage.

Keywords: Local flap; posterior elbow defect; radial recurrent artery.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Arterial anatomy around elbow
Figure 2
Figure 2
Case 1 (a) right elbow defect with exposed implant (b) design of the flap (c) well settled flap
Figure 3
Figure 3
Case 2 (a) right elbow defect with exposed bone (b) design of the flap (c) branch of posterior cutaneous nerve of arm which requires transection (d) well settled flap and donor site
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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