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Case Reports
. 2022 Jun 15;2022(6):rjac283.
doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjac283. eCollection 2022 Jun.

The radial recurrent artery propeller flap for elbow coverage in an extensive burn

David L Wallace  1 , Alan D Rogers  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

The radial recurrent artery propeller flap for elbow coverage in an extensive burn

David L Wallace et al. J Surg Case Rep. .

Abstract

Obtaining durable coverage of the elbow may be challenging when surrounding tissue as well as standard free flap donor sites are not available for use. Here we describe the application of the radial recurrent artery perforator propeller flap to good effect for the coverage of the elbow joint and ulnar nerve in the context of an extensive flame burn injury of over 80% of the body surface area. Despite few descriptions of its use in the literature, it is a relatively straightforward flap to elevate and inset, the donor area was effectively autografted and there were no postoperative complications.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Vascular anatomy of the elbow region.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The debrided right elbow wound, with ulnar nerve protected, the proposed flap and axis marked based on unburned skin of the arm.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Posterior to anterior elevation towards the intermuscular septum between triceps and brachialis.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The radial recurrent artery identified and elevated with the flap and the associated fascia.
Figure 5
Figure 5
The flap inset and secured without tension, and the donor site covered with a split skin graft.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Postoperative outcome at 1 month.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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