OBJECTIVE: To explore the importance of the posterior and lateral arterial network of elbow in the application of the super-regional and mutual-pedicled axial flap. METHODS: Twenty-seven upper extremities of adult cadavers were prepared as casts of Acrylomintril Batradiene Styrene(ABS) resin and corroded in a b solution of NaOH according to natural layers of human tissue. The source, site and structure of the posterior and lateral arterial network of elbow were observed, the number and total sectional area of anastomosing branches crossing the line between two humeral epicondyles were measured and compared with the medial and anterior region. RESULTS: There are 8.64 +/- 2.74(36.42%) and 8.30 +/- 1.19(35.0%) anastomosing branches crossing the posterior and lateral regions, and total section areas are (0.48 +/- 0.11) mm2 and (0.37 +/- 0.03) mm2 respectively. So there is very rich arterial network around the elbow. CONCLUSION: The enough number of anastomosing branches and their section areas of the posterior and lateral region of the elbow make it possible to connect super-regional and mutual-pedicled axial flaps crossing the elbow.
OBJECTIVE In order to reduce the complication of the transposition of superficial cervical artery skin flap for the repair of neck defect, the method of pre-expanded skin flap was designed, and its clinical result was observed. METHODS From March 1995 to October 1997, 12 cases with cicatricial contracture of the neck were treated by the following methods, preexpanded superficial cervical artery skin flap, and then transposed it for the reconstruction the cervical scar after burns. There were 8 males and 4 females and the age ranged from 6 to 32 years. A maximal size of flap was 35 cm x 14 cm and a minimal size was 16 cm x 7 cm. RESULTS All the flaps were survived except one, which partial necrosis occurred in the tip. Postoperative follow-up for 6 months to 3 years showed that the physiological angle of cervico-mandibular angle was recovered and the appearance of flap was satisfactory without swelling and contracture. CONCLUSION The preexpanded superficial cervical artery skin flap has many advantages, and it is particularly suitable for reconstruction of severe cervical contracture after extensive burns.