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J Reconstr Microsurg 2003; 19(5): 299-302
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-42498
Copyright © 2003 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Vascularized Femoral Nerve Graft with Anterolateral Thigh True Perforator Flap for Massive Defects after Cancer Ablation in the Upper Arm

Isao Koshima1 , Yazaburo Nanba1 , Tetsuya Tsutsui1 , Yoshio Takahashi1 , Akira Kawai2
  • Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
  • 2Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
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Publication History

Publication Date:
24 September 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Massive resection of soft-tissue sarcoma in the elbow region often results in loss of long segments of the brachial artery and median nerve, as well as a wide soft-tissue defect. With conventional nerve grafts and revascularization of the arm, forearm and hand function is poor because nerves cannot be regenerated over the long nerve gap in the high elbow region. The authors used a long vascularized nerve graft and found it effective for reconstruction of upper arm function. This paper describes the first application of a free vascularized femoral nerve graft and a free anterolateral thigh true perforator flap based on the lateral circumflex femoral system, to repair elbow and forearm function. Long vascularized femoral nerve grafts of over 12 cm can be obtained, and an anterolateral thigh flap can be harvested from the same donor area.

KEYWORDS

Femoral nerve graft - anterolateral thigh true perforator flap - massive upper arm defects

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