Posterior elbow coverage using whole and split flexor carpi ulnaris flaps: a cadaveric study

Distally Based Pedicled Flexor Carpi Ulnaris Muscle Flap: An Anatomical Study and Clinical Application

BACKGROUND

Proximally based, pedicled flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) muscle flap has been described previously for soft tissue coverage of the proximal forearm and elbow. No studies have been done on the distal muscular perforators and its use as a distally based flap.

METHODS

Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric dissections were done. Specimens were injected with latex to facilitate identification of the perforators. Distal muscular perforators were dissected and distances of the pedicles from the distal wrist crease and ulnar styloid were measured and recorded. A clinical case is also presented where a distally based FCU muscle flap was used for coverage in a patient with median nerve neuroma.

RESULTS

A distal muscular perforator and a second more proximal perforator were identified in all specimens. The average distance from the most distal muscular perforator to the ulnar styloid was 3.0 cm. The average distance to the wrist crease was 4.6 cm. The more proximal perforators had an average distance to the ulnar styloid and wrist crease of 7.3 cm and 8.8 cm, respectively. At 7 months post-op, the patient who underwent median nerve neurolysis and coverage with pedicled FCU flap had much improved sensation, with complete resolution of pain and tingling, and without any functional deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a distally based FCU muscle flap is a good option for soft tissue coverage of the distal forearm, wrist, and hand. The distal muscular perforators from the ulnar artery exhibit a relatively consistent anatomy.

Reconstruction of post-traumatic upper extremity soft tissue defects with pedicled flaps: An algorithmic approach to clinical decision making

PURPOSE

Pedicled flaps are still the workhorse flaps for reconstruction of upper limb soft tissue defects in many centers across the world. They are lifeboat options for coverage in vessel deplete wounds. In spite of their popularity existing algorithms are limited to a particular region of upper limb; a general algorithm involving entire upper limb which helps in clinical decision making is lacking. We attempt to propose one for the day to day clinical practice.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent pedicled flaps for coverage of post-traumatic upper extremity (arm, elbow, forearm, wrist & hand) soft tissue defects within the period of January 2016 to October 2017 was performed. Patients were divided into groups according to the anatomical location of the defects. The flaps performed for different anatomical regions were enlisted. Demographic data and complications were recorded. An algorithm was proposed based on our experience, with a particular emphasis made to approach to clinical decision making.

RESULTS

Two hundred and twelve patients were included in the study. Mean age was 27.3 years (range: 1-80 years), 180 were male, and 32 were female. Overall flap success rate was 98%, the following complications were noted marginal flap necrosis requiring no additional procedure other than local wound care in 32 patients (15%), partial flap necrosis requiring flap advancement or extra flap in 15 patients (7%), surgical site infection in 11 patients (5%), flap dehiscence requiring re-suturing in 5 patients (2.4%), total flap necrosis 4 patients (2%).

CONCLUSION

The proposed algorithm allows a reliable and consistent method for addressing diverse soft tissue defects in the upper limb with high success rate.

Forearm-Based Turnover Muscle Flaps for Elbow Soft-Tissue Reconstruction: A Comparison of Regional Coverage Based on Distal Flap Perfusion

BACKGROUND

Elbow wounds pose a reconstructive challenge. Prior studies have described the vascular anatomy of both the brachioradialis and flexor carpi ulnaris muscle flaps. The goal of this study was to describe the distal flap perfusion of the flexor carpi radialis, with a direct comparison of the brachioradialis, flexor carpi ulnaris, and flexor carpi radialis muscle flaps for coverage around the elbow.

METHODS

Six fresh-frozen upper extremity specimens were dissected for brachioradialis, flexor carpi radialis, and flexor carpi ulnaris flaps. Vascular data from prior studies were combined with our anatomical measurements to determine the area of perfused coverage around the elbow for the brachioradialis and flexor carpi ulnaris. The flexor carpi radialis flap distal vascular perfusion was examined separately with transverse sections at 1-cm intervals after India ink injections to determine distal flap perfusion and elbow coverage. Perfusion data were plotted on x and y axes over the posterior elbow.

RESULTS

The brachioradialis muscle covered an average of 56 percent of the x axis and 7.4 percent of the y axis. The flexor carpi ulnaris muscle covered an average of 90 percent of the elbow along the x axis and 23.3 percent of elbow along the y axis. The flexor carpi radialis covered an average of 34 percent of the x axis and 4.8 percent of the y axis.

CONCLUSION

The flexor carpi ulnaris muscle provides the most versatile and robust coverage over the posterior elbow, followed by the brachioradialis muscle, which consistently provides coverage over the lateral epicondyle.

A new local muscle flap for elbow coverage-the medial triceps brachii flap: anatomy, surgical technique, and preliminary outcomes

BACKGROUND

The medial triceps brachii is vascularized by the middle collateral artery and the arterial circle of the elbow. This vascularization allows a distal pedicled use to cover soft tissue defects of the elbow. We report our experience using this flap to cover traumatic and postsurgical wounds.

METHODS

Patients who underwent a pedicled medial triceps brachii flap procedure between 2008 and 2015 were included. Data concerning characteristics of the patients, wound size, surgical technique, and complications were retrospectively reviewed. An independent observer examined patients and assessed outcome of the coverage procedure: wound healing, scar length, range of elbow motion, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

Eight patients were included (70.6 ± 17.7 years old at the time of surgery). All patients had serious comorbidities and risk factors of poor wound healing. Defects were due to postoperative healing complications (5 patients), skin necrosis secondary to an underlying olecranon fracture (1 patient), and direct open fractures (2 patients). Soft tissue defects had a median surface of 17 (14-22) cm². The olecranon was exposed in 7 cases and the medial humeral epicondyle in 1 case. Mean procedure duration was 83 ± 14 minutes. There was no intraoperative or postoperative complication. All patients healed properly at 3 weeks of follow-up. No wound recurrence or surgery-related complication was reported after a median follow-up of 40.5 (21.5-69.5) months.

CONCLUSION

Favorable outcomes in all of our 8 patients make this flap an interesting option to cover small to medium-sized defects of the posterior aspect of the elbow.

Maximizing Outcomes While Minimizing Morbidity: An Illustrated Case Review of Elbow Soft Tissue Reconstruction

Background. Injuries to the elbow have led to consequences varying from significant limitation in function to loss of the entire upper limb. Soft tissue reconstruction with durable and pliable coverage balanced with the ability to mobilize the joint early to optimize rehabilitation outcomes is paramount. Methods. Methods of flap reconstruction have evolved from local and pedicled flaps to perforator-based flaps and free tissue transfer. Here we performed a review of 20 patients who have undergone flap reconstruction of the elbow at our institution. Discussion. 20 consecutive patients were identified and included in this study. Flap types include local (n = 5), regional pedicled (n = 7), and free (n = 8) flaps. The average size of defect was 138 cm(2) (range 36-420 cm(2)). There were no flap failures in our series, and, at follow-up, the average range of movement of elbow flexion was 100°. Results. While the pedicled latissimus dorsi flap is the workhorse for elbow soft tissue coverage, advancements in microvascular knowledge and surgery have brought about great benefit, with the use of perforator flaps and free tissue transfer for wound coverage. Conclusion. We present here our case series on elbow reconstruction and an abbreviated algorithm on flap choice, highlighting our decision making process in the selection of safe flap choice for soft tissue elbow reconstruction.

Clinical Outcomes of the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris Turnover Flap for Posterior Elbow Soft Tissue Defects

PURPOSE

To report the clinical outcomes from 2 academic centers of the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) flap for coverage of posterior elbow soft tissue defects.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 17 patients who underwent an FCU flap for posterior elbow wound reconstruction over an 8-year period at 2 academic centers. Outcome measures included visual analog score for pain; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score; Mayo Elbow Performance score; range of motion; wound healing; grip strength; and isokinetic dynamometry for wrist flexion. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to make side-to-side comparisons between the operative and nonsurgical extremities, and nonparametric statistical methods were used to analyze results.

RESULTS

All wounds healed successfully without need for revision surgery. Average visual analog, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, and Mayo Elbow Performance scores in the operative elbow were 1.8, 34, and 86, respectively. Average elbow arc of motion was 11° to 140° with 70° forearm pronation and 73° forearm supination. Compared with the nonsurgical side, grip strength on the operated side was 97% and wrist flexion peak torque was 89%. The operative limb had an average wrist flexion fatigue of 7%, compared with 22% for the nonsurgical arm.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients receiving an FCU flap had reliable healing, minimal pain, good functional outcomes, and no meaningful deficits in grip strength or wrist flexion strength.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Soft-Tissue Coverage for Elbow Trauma

The elbow is particularly prone to trauma, and soft-tissue reconstruction can be challenging given the inherent motion, pressure, and lack of local tissue laxity. Small wounds and those without exposure of vital structures may be amenable to primary repair. Large wounds and those requiring more substantial structural or anatomic repair may require local, regional or free flap-based reconstruction. A comprehensive review of soft-tissue reconstruction of the elbow is provided to offer surgeons alternative options in complicated upper extremity wounds.

Soft-tissue coverage of olecranon with musculocutaneous flexor carpi ulnaris flap

Coverage of the olecranon area is always challenging in traumatology. Because of the superficial situation of the bone, the absence of muscle, the thinness of the skin and the subcutaneous tissue locally, skin defects are not uncommon and can lead to exposure of hardware or prostheses. We report an original surgical technique using a musculocutaneous flap from the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) with a proximal pedicle to cover the olecranon area, detailing its limits and indications. The FCU flap has become our first-choice procedure to cover olecranon skin defects because of its low morbidity, its reliability, and its straightforward procedure, obviating the need for any microsurgery technique. Furthermore, it allows moving the elbow, immediately decreasing the risk of elbow stiffness.

Flexor carpi ulnaris muscle flap for soft tissue reconstruction after total elbow arthroplasty

The soft tissue at the tip of the olecranon is very thin, leading to the frequent occurrence of wound complications after total elbow arthroplasty. To cover a soft tissue defect of the elbow, the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle flap is thought to be appropriate for reconstruction of the elbow with regard to its size, location, and blood supply. We got positive clinical results, so we report our experiences of using a flexor carpi ulnaris muscle flap for soft tissue reconstruction after total elbow arthroplasty.

Flap reconstruction of the elbow and forearm: a case-based approach

Elbow and forearm wounds have distinct reconstructive requirements, but both require a durable and pliable solution. Pedicle, free fasciocutaneous and muscle, and distant (2-stage) flaps have a role in wound reconstruction in these unique areas. This article presents practical surgical cases as a guide to soft tissue reconstruction of the elbow and forearm.

Anatomic study of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle and its application to soft tissue coverage of the elbow with clinical correlation

BACKGROUND

The posterior elbow is prone to soft tissue loss that may require reconstructive methods for wound healing to be achieved. The flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) muscle has been described for coverage in case reports and small series. Previous studies give conflicting anatomic findings about the dominant vascular pedicle for the FCU.

METHODS

Twenty-five cadaveric specimens were dissected. Pedicle location, number, and distance from the medial epicondyle were recorded along with the extent of posterior elbow coverage. Chart review was conducted during a 4-year period. Eight patients who underwent FCU rotational flap coverage were identified. Those flaps relied entirely on a single proximal pedicle.

RESULTS

The vascular pedicles from the ulnar artery or recurrent ulnar artery were identified in 24 of 25 specimens. The average distance from the tip of the medial epicondyle to the first pedicle was 5.7 cm (range, 3 to 10 cm). The length of muscle coverage proximal to the olecranon tip averaged 9.3 cm. The clinical follow-up of 7 patients requiring FCU rotational flaps for coverage of the posterior elbow showed that all flaps survived and provided adequate coverage for the defect.

CONCLUSIONS

The FCU rotational pedicle flap provides predictable coverage of small to medium-sized defects about the posterior elbow. Although it is relatively consistent, the proximal vascular pedicle does demonstrate some variability, which should be considered in planning surgery. The consistent distal extent of the FCU muscle belly provides wider proximal coverage of defects.

Soft-tissue coverage of the elbow

The elbow requires a durable and pliable soft-tissue envelope. Injuries, infections, or tumors that result in exposed tendon, bone, or implants require expedient soft-tissue coverage. Familiarity with various options for coverage can help tailor treatment to the defect size and minimize donor-site morbidity. In this article, emphasis is placed on muscle and fasciocutaneous flaps that have been shown to have reliable vascularity and predictable outcomes.

Posterior elbow wounds: soft tissue coverage options and techniques

Many options exist for reconstruction of the posterior elbow/olecranon area following wound formation. Careful early wound management is crucial to ensure successful outcomes following reconstruction. Local and regional options are preferred methods for soft tissue coverage in this region. Common flap options include the reversed lateral arm flap, the radial forearm flap, posterior interosseous artery flap, brachioradialis muscle flap, flexor carpi ulnaris flap, and the latissimus flap. The advantages and disadvantages of these flap options are discussed in this review.

Vascular perfusion of a flexor carpi ulnaris muscle turnover pedicle flap for posterior elbow soft tissue reconstruction: a cadaveric study

PURPOSE

The use of a pedicled flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) muscle proximal turnover flap has been described previously for soft tissue reconstruction at the posterior elbow. Whereas consistent arterial supply to the FCU has been reported, the reliability of distal flap perfusion has not been confirmed. This study evaluated the vascular perfusion of an FCU turnover flap, based on the most proximal primary vascular pedicle that would permit a proximal turnover flap reconstruction to include the olecranon tip.

METHODS

In 12 fresh-frozen, proximal humeral human amputation specimens, the FCU flap was elevated from distal to proximal, preserving the most proximal primary vascular pedicle to the muscle belly that would permit flap coverage of the olecranon tip. The axillary artery was injected with India ink after ligation of radial and ulnar arteries at the wrist. After injection, each specimen was sectioned transversely at 0.5-cm increments to assess vascular perfusion of the muscle using loupe magnification.

RESULTS

The distance from the olecranon tip to the distal FCU muscle belly was 25.9 cm. The primary vascular pedicle that would facilitate creation of a proximal turnover flap was, on average, 5.9 cm distal to the olecranon tip. Perfusion of FCU muscle as measured distal to this primary pedicle was present in 50% to 100% of the muscle belly at an average of 8.9 cm beyond the pedicle. Perfusion of 25% to 50% of the FCU muscle belly was present at an average of 11.1 cm beyond the pedicle. Perfusion became less consistent (<25%) within the muscle belly at an average distance of 11.6 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a proximally based, pedicled FCU muscle turnover flap provides a reliable option for soft tissue reconstruction at the posterior elbow. We observed consistent arterial perfusion of the muscle flap when preserving a proximal vascular pedicle 5.9 cm distal to the olecranon tip.