The ulnar recurrent fasciocutaneous island flap: reverse medial arm flap.

A new island fasciocutaneous flap raised on the inner medial surface of the upper arm has been used for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects of the elbow. The blood supply to this flap comes from the fasciocutaneous perforators of the ulnar recurrent vessels. This unique vascular arrangement allows for safe transference of the upper medial skin to the elbow region. This flap has been used to cover nine defects in eight patients, and results have been good. Except for one case of sensory disturbance, there were no complications or loss of overlying skin. It is a relatively quick and simple procedure involving only one stage that adequately corrects the skin defect around the elbow region and does not require prolonged splinting.