The use of lateral arm perforator flap in the reconstruction of post-burn cubital contracture

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Elbow contracture is a challenging problem to the reconstructive surgeon owing to the wide range of extension that should be achieved and due to the common unavailability of local tissues to be used for reconstruction of the elbow.(1)The lateral arm flap (LAF) is a popular flap transfer, which can be applied in many procedures. Described in 1982 and since its clinical application has been increasing. Perforator flaps become indispensable tool which help not too sacrifice the pedicel (2) Objective: to describe using the lateral arm perforator flap for reconstruction of cubital contracture secondary to burn. Methods: It is a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent cubital fossa reconstruction. Results: In the current series, ten patients were included with the mean age 24 years (8 to 36). they were operated for definitive reconstruction on average 72 months (24m to 120m) after the initial injury. The reconstruction for 10 cases in our study was performed as one stage procedure. In the current study, complications were observed in three cases (27.3%), the wound dehiscence was recorded in one patient also, we faced two patients with dissatisfied results due to bulkiness of the flap in the elbow. Conclusion: We concluded that the lateral arm perforator flap is a versatile and reliable option for the reconstruction of all types of elbow contracture, releasing defects with satisfactory results in terms of function and esthetic outcomes.