Free Vasularized Scapular and Parascapular Flap

Hahn, Soo Bong; Choi, Nam Hong

Abstract

The trestment of extensive soft tissue injury of the extremities is known to be one difficulty in the field of Orthopedic Surgery. The authors present a study of 55 free vascularized scapular flaps, 12 free vascularized parascapular flaps and 9 combined scapular and latissimus dorsi flaps for extensive soft tissue injury of the extremities at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Severance Hospital from March 1983 to December 1988. The results of the study are as follows:1. The pedicles of the flap were consistent in length and diameter. 2. The flap was uniform and relatively thin in thickness in free scapular and psrascapular flaps 3. There was no limitation to motion of the shoulder despite excision of the scapular and parascapular flap. 4. Primary closure of the donor flap was feasible in almost all cases. 5. Reconstruction of a 1arge soft tissue defect was possible with scapular and parascapular flap in one stage. 6. The free vaseularized scapular flap and parascapular flap would be recommended of one-stage reconstructional surgery for extensive soft tissue defects.