Free skin flap coverage of the upper extremity

Elizabeth A King; Kagan Ozer

doi:10.1016/j.hcl.2014.01.003

Free skin flap coverage of the upper extremity

Hand Clin. 2014 May;30(2):201-9, vi. doi: 10.1016/j.hcl.2014.01.003.

Authors

Elizabeth A King¹, Kagan Ozer²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, 2098 South Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA.
² Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, 2098 South Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA. Electronic address: kozer@umich.edu.

PMID: 24731610
DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2014.01.003

Abstract

Successful soft tissue reconstruction of the upper extremity must provide stable coverage and restore function to the injured hand. To ensure the best possible outcome after traumatic upper extremity injuries, early radical debridement and early flap coverage that restores all missing tissue components is critical to allow early mobilization. Free flaps provide extraordinary versatility in reconstructing defects of soft tissue, muscle, tendon, and bone.

Keywords: Coverage; Cutaneous; Free flap; Reconstruction; Upper extremity; Vascularity.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Arm Injuries / surgery*
Debridement
Free Tissue Flaps* / blood supply
Humans
Microsurgery
Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
Soft Tissue Injuries / surgery*