Fadi Bakhos, Francisco A Ferri, John Andre, Lindsey Foran, George Dreszer, James W Fletcher
Unlike other body parts, the upper extremity has critical structures close to the skin, making soft tissue injuries more complex. These injuries can result from various causes, including trauma and necrotizing soft tissue infections, necessitating reconstruction. Historically, pedicled flaps from the groin and abdomen were commonly used for upper extremity reconstruction, but they had limitations, such as the need for flap division and debulking, patient discomfort, and stiffness. Free flap reconstruction has become the preferred method, but it still faces challenges like patient and facility issues, the absence of recipient vessels after injury, and multi-surface wounds...
April 2024: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open