Repair of skin and soft tissue defects in upper limbs with low abdominal superficial artery flap

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical effects of applying low abdominal superficial artery flap to repair skin and soft tissues defects in upper limbs. Methods Total 42 cases with soft tissues defects were recruited in this study.Seven cases were repaired using skin flaps with circumfiexa ilium superficial artery.Five cases were repaired using osteocutaneous flaps based on circumfiexa ilium superficial artery.Eleven cases were repaired using flaps with superficial epigastric artery.Seven cases were repaired using flaps with circumfiexa ilium superficial artery,lateral branches of superficial epigastric artery and musculocutaneous perforators of the fourth lumbar artery.Six cases were repaired using flaps with origin of circumfiexa ilium superficial artery,medial and lateral branch of superficial epigastric artery,and the deep and cutaneous branch of circumfiexa ilium superficial artery.Results After surgery,forty-two flaps all survived.Flaps areas were between 5 cm × 6 cm-9 cm × 30 cm.Followed up 6-24 months,the appearance,texture,color and function of flaps were recovered well and did not need to trim again. Conclusion Low abnominal superficial artery flap could be used to repair skin and soft tissues,also its texture is so thin and areas can be direct sutures,which,is an ideal method to forearm repairment. Key words: Upper limbs ; Abdominal flap ; Transplantation ; Microsurgery operation