Francisco del Piñal, MD, PhD, Francisco J. García-Bernal, MD, PhD, Alexis Studer, MD, Higinio Ayala, MD, Leopoldo Cagigal, MD, Javier Regalado, MD

J Hand Surg 2008;33A:1899–1904. Copyright © 2008 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved 

Abstract: Four free iliac flaps were used to treat or prevent flexion contracture at the elbow or wrist flexion crease. Flap size ranged from 13
6 cm to 18
8 cm. Two flaps were used for primary coverage, and the other 2 flaps were used to treat established flexion contractures. All flaps survived without vascular complications. Full range of motion was obtained at the elbow and 40° of active extension was obtained at the wrist. The flap has a very thin dermis with minimal panniculus that can be thinned as required, making it ideal to cover flexion creases. Despite the fact that anatomic variations are common in the inguinal region, the flap can be expeditiously and safely elevated. If needed, pedicle length can be up to 8 to 10 cm. The donor site is comparable with that of a full-thickness skin graft harvested from the groin. The donor artery, however, can be very small.