[V-Y advancement of skin flap pedicled with upper limb lateral branch for small skin defect in the dorsal elbow].

OBJECTIVE

To research the method and effectiveness of V-Y advancement of skin flap pedicled with the upper limb lateral branch in the treatment of small skin defect in the dorsal elbow.

METHODS

Between March 2008 and August 2010, 6 cases of skin defect in the dorsal elbow were treated by V-Y advancement of skin flap pedicled with the upper limb lateral branch, including 4 males and 2 females with a mean age of 53 years (range, 16-76 years). Defects were caused by crushing in 3 cases, by punching in 2 cases, and the disease duration was 4 hours 30 minutes to 7 days (mean, 29.5 hours); and by chronic infection in 1 case, and the disease duration was 12 months. The defect size ranged from 4.0 cm x 2.5 cm to 9.5 cm x 3.5 cm, all complicating by bone or tendon exposure. The flap size ranged from 6.0 cm x 4.0 cm to 12.5 cm x 9.5 cm; the donor sites were sutured directly.

RESULTS

All flaps survived completely, wounds and incisions at donor sites healed by first intention. Six cases were followed up 6-12 months after operation. The flaps had good texture and color. Two-point discrimination of the skin flap was 12-16 mm. The function of limb was normal, and elbow flexion and extension activity averaged 105 degrees (range, 95-125 degrees).

CONCLUSION

It is ideal to treat small skin defect in the dorsal elbow with V-Y advancement of skin flap pedicled with the upper limb lateral branch because of easier operation and less injury at donor site.