Radial Forearm Vascularized Osteomuscular Flap for Proximal Ulnar Deficiency After Revision Total Elbow Arthroplasty: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2022 Feb 2;12(1). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.21.00558.

Abstract

Case: A 61-year-old woman presented with a failed proximal ulna allograft-prosthetic composite after revision total elbow arthroplasty (TEA). The ulnar deficiency was addressed using an osteomuscular flap from the distal radius pedicled on the radial artery. At final follow-up, she had minimal pain and a flexion-extension arc of 0° to 130°. Radiographs demonstrated graft incorporation and a stable TEA construct.

Conclusion: This demonstrates utilization of a vascularized osteomuscular flap from the radius for treatment of proximal ulnar deficiency in the setting of revision TEA. This technique offers an alternative option for the challenge of a failed TEA with ulnar bone loss.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Elbow* / methods
  • Elbow / surgery
  • Female
  • Forearm / surgery
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Radial Artery / surgery
  • Radius* / surgery
  • Reoperation / methods
  • Ulna / surgery