Body Mass Index Is Associated With Myocutaneous Free Flap Reliability: Overcoming the Obesity Obstacle With a Proposed Clinical Algorithm to Identify and Manage High-Risk Patients Undergoing Gracilis Free Flap With Skin Paddle Harvest.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of body mass index (BMI) in predicting postoperative complications following myocutaneous free flap transfer. In addition, we sought to identify certain body composition variables that may be used to stratify patients into low- versus high-risk for gracilis myocutaneous free flap with skin paddle failure.

Methods: Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, we collected data for all patients who underwent myocutaneous free flap transfer from 2015 to 2021.

Management of Isolated Ulnar Shaft Fractures.

» Most isolated ulnar shaft fractures are stable and heal without complication regardless of treatment protocol.» Casting above the elbow may create unwanted stiffness without enhancing union rates.» Defining unstable fractures and determining which injuries would benefit from operative management remain a challenge.