الفهرس 
IntroductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Background: Soft tissue defects around the elbow joint necessitate reconstruction with durable tissue, which can withstand and allow for smooth repetitive flexion and extension movement. In addition, achieving optimal recovery in elbow injuries requires early, and in many cases, immediate motion to prevent joint stiffness. Elbow wounds also have the unique requirement of a pliable and well-padded reconstruction, in order to promote early motion to prevent contracture or joint stiffness. In many cases, zone of injury may eliminate the local tissue options, hence the surgeon must choose from the limited available reconstructive possibilities. Coverage options may include primary closure, skin grafting, and local flaps, distant flaps; fasciocutaneous, muscle/myocutaneous and micro-vascular free tissue transfer. The aim of the work: This study aims at evaluating the outcomes of coverage options of soft tissue defects around the elbow region using variety of surgical options. Also, it aims at providing a practical surgical reconstructive algorithm for coverage. Patient: This prospective interventional study was carried out on 33 patients with soft tissue defects around the elbow and admitted to plastic surgery department at Mansoura University Hospitals from March 2019 to June 2020. Methods: All patients subjected to history taking, clinical examination, laboratory and radiological investigations. The patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were divided according to reconstructive options into 3 groups; group A (1ry closure or healing by 2ry intension), group B (Skin Graft), group C (Flap coverage). All patients were followed up to 9 months postoperative and elbow function followed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons-Elbow scoring system (ASES-E). Results & Conclusion: group (A) included 6 cases, group (B) 16 cases, and group (C) 11 cases. Reconstruction of elbow region requires understanding of the advantages and limitations of different coverage options. The proposed reconstructive algorithm addresses the reconstruction of elbow region using various reconstructive options depending on the reconstructive ladder. Recommendations: Each case should be managed independently according to the wound size, available local options and a stepwise approach according to the proposed reconstructive algorithm, which guarantee the simplest best option for the case.