The use of a free and pedicled lateral arm flap for coverage of an extensive degloving injury of the upper extremity

Classical skin free flaps are rarely used to cover large skin defects of the upper extremity because of the limited donor size. Muscle flaps with a skin graft are preferred because they provide a large amount of cover and a good blood supply. A case report is presented in which a double skin flap was used to cover a large defect (40×8 cm) extending from the lateral humeral condyle to the dorsal aspect of the hand. A free lateral arm flap from the contra–lateral arm was successfully used in conjunction with a pedicled reversed lateral arm flap from the injured limb. We suggest that skin flaps should be considered for cover of skin defects. The lateral arm flap, which is a versatile flap, offers thin, pliable and sensate skin with minimal donor site morbidity.