UPPER LIMB RECONSTRUCTION

Upper Limb Reconstruction

Reconstruction to the upper limb may involve any of the following:

1. Local flap reconstruction

   This involves the use of the ‘next best ’ being the next best skmobilized can be mobilised from adjacent tissue as pivot, advancement or interpolation flaps.

2. Regional flap reconstruction

   Reliable tissue can be transferred based on the vascular pedicles of the upper limb. This tissue is used to resurface areas of tissue loss.

3. Distant flap reconstruction

   Areas adjacent to the upper limb can be used to resurface larger defects in the upper limb. Such areas include the groin, abdomen and chest. These techniques may involve two staged operations.

4. Free flap reconstruction

   More complex defects require the use of free tissue transfer. This is where a reliable block of tissue is moved from one area to another and its blood supply is restored using microsurgical techniques.

5. Revascularisation and replantation

   Microsurgical reconstruction is used to restore a blood supply to a region when it has been divided (e.g. severed digit), or to restore blood flow when interrupted by trauma (e.g. crush injury).