Case reports: The split flexor carpi ulnaris as a local muscle flap

Abstract

The flexor carpi ulnaris is a useful local muscle flap in the forearm and elbow. It is, however, an important palmar flexor and ulnar deviator of the wrist, and functional loss may arise from the use of this muscle in its entirety. The flexor carpi ulnaris is made up of two distinct neuromuscular compartments. This arrangement allows for splitting of the muscle and the potential use of the larger ulnar compartment as a local muscle flap while maintaining the humeral compartment as an ulnar deviator and palmar flexor of the wrist. We report two cases illustrating the clinical use of the split flexor carpi ulnaris as a local muscle flap. © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.