Soft tissue loss about the elbow. Selecting optimal coverage.

A variety of methods are useful in covering soft tissue loss about the elbow. These methods include random transposition flaps, fasciocutaneous axial pattern transposition and island flaps, muscle pedicle flaps, temporary fasciocutaneous chest and abdominal wall pedicle flaps, and free tissue transfer. Factors governing selection of a coverage method are discussed in this article, and an algorithm for elbow tissue loss management is presented. The most commonly utilized methods are described in greater detail.