Clinical Outcome of Radial Recurrent Artery Flap for Wound Coverage in and Around the Elbow
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v43i2.80809Keywords:
Radial recurrent artery flap, elbow joint, STSG (Split Thickness Skin Graft)Abstract
Introduction: Reconstructive surgeons frequently deal with the treatment of intricate elbow wounds. Burns, road traffic accidents, workplace accidents, tumor excision, post-burn scar contracture release, difficulties with orthopedic reconstruction, etc. are some of the etiologies of wounds. Stable soft tissue covering is required for reconstructive purposes, but early mobilization is permitted to preserve a range of motion. In addition to offering long-lasting coverage for medium-sized elbow deformities, flap coverage, particularly radial recurrent artery flap also promotes early elbow joint range of motion. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of radial recurrent artery flap for coverage of wounds in and around the elbow.
Martial and Methods: This prospective type of observational study was conducted in the Department of Plastic Surgery, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka. Twenty patients were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria over 17 months from October 2016 to February 2018. The patients were kept under follow-up of at least 8 weeks postoperatively. Findings of observation were recorded in a preformed data collection sheet and all data were compiled in a master table for analysis.
Result: Total 20 patients were analyzed, where majority of the injured patients (80%) were male. Of them electric burn was 55%, followed by trauma (15%), flame burn (10%), contact burn (5%) and others. Radial recurrent artery flap was used to cover the cubital fossa in 13 patients (65%), the posterior aspect of the elbow in 05 patients (25%), and amputation stump in 02 patients (10%). Here, the mean dimension of the wound was 80.8 cm2 and the mean dimension of flap was 70.43cm2. 16 patients recovered without any complications following the reconstruction. Out of 20 cases, only 4 cases have restriction of elbow extension preoperatively. After post-surgical physiotherapy the range of movement was improved significantly in these cases.
Conclusion: This study showed that Radial Recurrent Artery Flap is a suitable option for coverage of soft tissue defects in and around the elbow joint. It is a single stage procedure allowing early mobilization and thereby preventing stiffness of the elbow joint.
J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2025; 43: 139-144
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