Versatility of the free lateral arm flap for reconstruction in different districts of the body

The lateral arm flap is a septo-fasciocutaneous flap from the radial collateral vessels through the lateral intermuscular septum that can be harvested as a sensate flap including the posterior cutaneous nerve. In our experience it demonstrated to be a versatile and reliable flap used both for hand and head&neck reconstruction following traumatic and oncological demolition. From January 1998 to September 2006, 18 patients were operated (14 male, 4 female, mean age 64, range 21-72): 3 post-traumatic cases (2 head & neck and 1 hand), 15 oncological cases (head&neck). Mean defect dimension repaired with the lateral arm flap was of 5x10cm. All donor sites were closed primarily but in 1 case. Heparin and short term prophylaxis were always used. Mean follow up is 4 years. All cases were successful. An accurate preoperative plan is mandatory. Both functional and aesthetical results are satisfactory.