The proximally pedicled arteria radialis forearm flap in the treatment of soft tissue defects of the dorsal elbow.

Soft tissue defects of the dorsal side of the elbow require a stable soft tissue reconstruction. Therefore, for the treatment of limited, uninfected defects, local or distant skin flaps should be used. For large and infected defects, the use of the proximally pedicled arteria radialis forearm flap is indicated. We used the flap in 14 patients as an alternative to conventional methods. This neurovascular, septocutaneous flap proved safe and versatile, guaranteeing stable soft tissue reconstruction of the dorsal aspect of the elbow. The flap has an orthograde flow and is nourished by the radial artery. With its long, neurovascular pedicle, it can be transposed in a proximal ulnar or radial direction. Four years after operation, all elbow joints showed a complete range of motion. No further soft tissue instabilities were seen.