Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap Revisited as a Workhorse for Reconstruction for Defects in the Upper Arm: A Case Report

J Nippon Med Sch. 2023 Jun 29;90(3):288-293. doi: 10.1272/jnms.JNMS.2023_90-401. Epub 2022 Jan 25.

Abstract

Many previous reviews of the literature have described the grafts and techniques for management of defects in the upper arm. However, the alternatives are limited in cases where some conventional flaps are not available and the nearby donor vessels have been previously sacrificed for free flaps. A 77-year-old man presented with a tumor in the right upper arm just above the axilla. The patient had already undergone surgeries for three recurrences of low-grade myxofibrosarcoma, the primary site of which was around the right scapula. The pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap was used for the defect caused by tumor resection, since there was no other available option. An acceptable result was obtained without any major complications. Thus, the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap may be a candidate for reconstruction of defects in the proximal part of the upper arm.

Keywords: myxofibrosarcoma; pectoralis major myocutaneous flap; upper-arm reconstruction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arm*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myocutaneous Flap*
  • Pectoralis Muscles / surgery