Serratus anterior muscle transplantation for treatment of soft tissue defects in the hand

Abstract

The inferior three slips of the serratus anterior muscle have been used as a free tissue transfer in 18 patients for the reconstruction of dorsal and palmar defects in the hand. Mean follow-up was 2.8 years. There were 1218 flaps for palmar coverage and 618 for dorsal coverage. All flaps survived. On the basis of this experience we conclude that this flap has three attributes making it suitable for palmar and dorsal metacarpal resurfacing: (1) low donor site morbidity, (2) the three separate slips are easily divisible for contouring, and (3) durability and adhesion provide a stable resurfacing for grasp.