Microsurgery by Pedicled Scapular Crest Bone Graft for Shoulder Reconstruction

Since it was first described as a free flap in 1981, the lateral scapular crest has gained popularity in bone defect reconstruction. In 1997, these authors reported the use of this flap as a pedicled flap, i.e with no microvascular anastomosis needed, rotated to reconstruct upper humeral bone defects. Unaware of similar trials, they continued using it to reconstruct this site successfully in 33 patients who had lost their upper humerus from different pathologies, most commenly by tumor resection (30 cases). In this presentation, the authors discused the relevant anatomy, transfer, and fixation technique, and the results concerning union, hypertrophy, and shoulder function.