The subaxillary pedicled flap

Abstract

The subaxillary fasciocutaneous flap is a new pedicled flap designed and developed by us for resurfacing defects on the dorsum of the hand, thumb, fingers and web-spaces. The lack of mobility and inability of the patient to dress properly during transfer of a groin or hypogastric flap prompted us to develop this flap which is based on the direct cutaneous branch of the subscapular-thoracodorsal arterial axis to the lateral thoracic region. It consists of skin, subcutaneous tissue and the underlying fascia. It is located in the region of the lower half of the lateral chest wall extending from 5th to 10th rib to the mid-axillary line and can be raised without any delay. The donor defect can be closed primarily or skin grafted if necessary and can be very easily taken care of during hospitalisation. It can be nicely concealed later on in life. The subaxillary fasciocutaneous flap has been tried by us in 10 cases and the results are presented in this paper.