Anatomical study of the recurrent flaps of the upper arm.

In this paper the vascular anatomy of recurrent flaps of the upper arm is described, based on dissections of 16 cadavers, in which the anterior ulnar recurrent (AURA), posterior ulnar recurrent (PURA), radial recurrent (RRA) and interosseous recurrent (IRA) arteries were dissected. Anastomoses between the recurrent arteries and the corresponding collateral arteries were investigated. In two-thirds of the 16 cadavers the AURA, PURA and RRA showed direct communication with the corresponding collateral arteries; the IRA exhibited less well-defined communication in 15 of the cadavers. In cases with direct communication, recurrent flaps should be approached as axial flaps including the territories of the collateral vessels; in cases of less well-defined communication, the flap should be raised with a wide pedicle in order to obtain additional arterial input from the rete cubiti.