Indications and Selection of Free Flaps for Soft Tissue Coverage of the Upper Extremity

The advantages of free flap coverage of the upper extremity following trauma or tumor resection have been acknowledged by several authors. Most importantly, these benefits include the ability to provide early coverage with composite reconstruction of all damaged or missing tissues and early mobilization to restore function. The purpose of this article is to review the indications and options for selection of free flaps for soft tissue coverage of the upper extremity.