Abstract
The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap has classically been described for posterior upper quadrant trunk defects. Perforator flaps have gained popularity among reconstructive surgeons as the predictable anatomy and muscle-sparing nature of parascapular flaps make this an attractive reconstructive option. We describe the versatility of the parascapular flap for reconstruction of defects in the axilla, deltoid, scapula and paraspinal region performed in six patients over a two-year period. The history of the parascapular flap, technique, patient outcomes and technical pearls are also discussed. We recommend this flap be considered a workhorse flap for defects in the posterior upper quadrant.
Highlights
Posterior upper quadrant trunk defects are challenging to reconstruct
We describe six cases of defects of the posterior upper quadrant which were reconstructed with a parascapular flap at a single institution between 2018 and 2020
Fonseca dos Santos first described the anatomy of an axial pattern flap based on a cutaneous branch of the circumflex scapular artery in 1980.3 The circumflex scapular artery originates from the subscapular artery with the cutaneous branch passing through the triangular space, which is bounded by the teres minor superiorly, the long head of the triceps laterally and the teres major inferiorly (Figure 3). dos Santos suggested that the flap should be based transversely, but Gilbert recommended an oblique flap.[3]
Summary
Manuscript received: 2 August 2020 Manuscript revised: 18 October 2020 Manuscript accepted: 26 October 2020
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