Objective: To study the anatomy and preparation methods of an improved lateral arm free flap (LAFF) for the future clinical application.
Methods: Twenty-two adult upper extremities from cadavers after injected with red latex through common carotid arteries were used. The course, branches, distribution and variations of the blood vessels and nerves of the improved LAFF were observed. The outer diameters of the vessels were measured.
Results: The mean length of vascular pedicle of the improved LAFF was (14.85 ± 1.28) cm, significantly more than that (5.46 ± 2.60) of traditional LAFF (t = -8.483, P < 0.001). The mean outer diameters of pedicle arteries and veins in the improved LAFF were (2.24 ± 0.66) mm and (2.22 ± 0.52) mm, significantly more than those (1.15 ± 0.21 and 1.26 ± 0.23) in traditional LAFF (t = -8.690, P < 0.001; t = -15.057, P < 0.001), respectively.
Conclusion: The improved LAFF has a longer vascular pedicle and larger artery and vein in diameter than conventional LAFF, and is more suitable for the repair of the small and medium-sized defects of the head and neck.