The superficial brachial artery axial pattern flap is used to close large defects around the elbow and forearm while preserving function and durable coverage. This guide walks through anatomy & landmarks → design → elevation → transfer/closure → immobilization & aftercare in a practical, OR-ready format.
Indications: Large defects around the olecranon to forearm (anteromedial/anterior), after tumor wide excision or trauma, where primary closure, local flaps, or grafting would compromise function.
Reach: Typically covers defects with the distal margin up to 2–3 cm proximal to the carpus. Flap length about 14–19 cm (individual variation).
Trait: Slightly more fragile than some other APFs; marginal necrosis, dehiscence, seroma occur relatively often but most cases ultimately heal without major re-operation.
2) Vascular Anatomy & Landmarks
Pedicle: Cutaneous branches of the superficial brachial artery (from the brachial a.). Pivot located around the dorsal third of the elbow flexural surface, with proximal course along the humeral shaft toward the greater tubercle.
Skin landmarks: (1) Pivot at the dorsal third of the elbow flexural surface; (2) Two parallel lines drawn proximally toward the greater tubercle; (3) Recipient zone is the anteromedial/anterior forearm.
Vein: The cephalic vein runs lateral to the artery—avoid injury or ligation during dissection.
3) Preop Planning, Position, Marking
Position: Lateral recumbency with the sound side down; affected limb pulled forward to expose shoulder–brachium–elbow–forearm widely.
Marking: Center on the dorsal third of the elbow flexural surface; draw a band-like flap with two parallel lines from the elbow toward the greater tubercle (flap width = defect width + small margin).
Bridge incision: If intact skin lies between flap and defect, plan a bridge incision to tunnel the flap smoothly.
Reach check: ICG near-infrared fluorescence can help map the pedicle and define safe borders when available.
4) Design Pearls
Length: Include rotation arc; excessive length risks distal necrosis. A practical median is ~16 cm.
Width: Defect width plus a few millimeters. Keep the base broad to avoid pedicle kinking/compression.
Hair direction: Align with recipient bed to reduce step-offs and tension.
Dog-ear: Preserve initially for perfusion; contour later if needed.
5) Elevation (Dissection) Steps
Incision: Full-thickness along markings from distal → proximal. Use electrocautery sparingly near the pedicle.
Plane: Keep a generous subcutis; bluntly dissect in the loose areolar plane just above fascia to preserve the subdermal plexus.
Identify pedicle: Around the dorsal third of the elbow flexural surface. The cephalic vein runs lateral—do not ligate inadvertently.
Handle the base: Avoid over-skeletonizing; prevent kinking/stricture/twist. Brief exposure only to confirm direction if necessary.
Mobility test: Use stay sutures; rotate/advance to the bed to confirm reach and low tension.
Bridge incision: Create when a skin bridge impedes a smooth path.
6) Prepare the Recipient Bed
Thorough debridement of necrotic/contaminated tissue.
Create a healthy bleeding surface; remove pockets and acute angles.
Granulation bed is not required for APF, but minimize dead space.
7) Transfer (Inset) & Closure
Final check during rotation: Ensure no twist/kink of the pedicle, including with the elbow flexed.
Drain: If dead space is notable, place a closed-suction (low-pressure acceptable) drain from base to bed.
Sutures:
Subcuticular: 3-0/4-0 absorbable, simple running or buried continuous
Skin: 3-0 nylon/polypropylene, simple interrupted or intradermal with support sutures
Tension control:Unload at the base; add small relaxing incisions if needed.
8) Immobilization, Bandage, Analgesia
Immobilization: Prevent excessive elbow/carpal flexion with a splint (e.g., modified Thomas) for 7–14 days.
Bandage: Robert-Jones (RJ) bandage; add a splint if required. Check distal perfusion daily.
Edema/seroma: Avoid over-compression; use appropriate drainage and strict rest.
Distal necrosis: Often due to excessive length/tension or pedicle kinking. If pallor/mottling appears, reduce tension and adjust bandage; consider open management → delayed closure/partial-thickness graft if needed.
Infection: Perioperative antibiotics according to contamination risk; extend in high-risk cases.
Monitoring: Color, temperature, capillary refill, and pin-prick bleeding every few hours for the first 48–72 h.
ICG assessment: Helpful adjunct for mapping and margin decisions.
10) Pitfalls & Tips
Over-distal design: Treat 2–3 cm proximal to the carpus as the practical distal limit.
Narrow base: Predisposes to compression/twist—keep the base broad.
Too thin subcutis: Endangers perforators—elevate with a thick subcutis.
Early excessive motion: Elbow flexion can bend the pedicle—enforce splinting.
11) OR Checklist
Prep in lateral recumbency; expose widely.
Mark pivot at dorsal third of elbow flexural surface; draw two parallels from elbow to greater tubercle.
Debride recipient bed to a healthy bleeding surface.
Incise distal→proximal; elevate with a thick subcutis; preserve the superficial brachial branches and cephalic vein.
Mobility test; add bridge incision if needed.
Inset without tension; place a drain; two-layer closure.
Splint + RJ bandage; intensive perfusion checks for 48–72 h.
Troubleshoot early; manage minor distal necrosis with open care → delayed closure/grafting.
Reference Images (replace as needed)
Pearl: Think “wide base, thick subcutis, low tension.” Post-op immobilization and bandage care strongly influence outcomes because the pedicle can bend during elbow flexion.