Free Fillet Flap of the Hand for Elbow Preservation in Nonreplantable Forearm Amputation

The use of non-replantable amputated parts for reconstruction of the stump is a well-established technique. The use of a free fillet flap of the hand and forearm for elbow preservation in massive trauma of the upper extremity is reported in two cases. These free flaps allowed for covering and preserving a functional elbow and a more useful stump.

Free fillet flap - salvage replantation - elbow coverage

REFERENCES

• 1 Hammond D C, Matloub H S, Kadz B B, Yousif N J, Sanger J R, Larson D L. The free-fillet flap for reconstruction of the upper extremity.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 1994;  94 507-512
• 2 Kuntscher M V, Erdmann D, Strametz S, Sauerbier M, Germann G, Levin L S. The use of fillet flaps in upper extremity and shoulder reconstruction.  Chirurg. 2002;  73 1019-1024
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• 4 Sakamura R, Nohira K, Shibata M, Sugihara T. Coverage of a large soft-tissue defect of the chest with a free fillet forearm and hand flap.  J Reconstr Microsurg. 2001;  17 229-231
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