vöðvaflög

The Icelandic term **vöðvaflög** denotes a muscle flap, a surgical technique in which a segment of muscle along with its attached blood supply is transferred from one site of the body to another to cover a defect or to provide vital vascularized tissue. Muscle flaps are utilized to repair soft‑tissue wounds, restore contour, and cover exposed structures such as bone or prosthetic implants.

In the surgical setting, a flap is selected based on the location and size of the defect, the required thickness of soft tissue, and the vascular pedicle that will sustain the transferred muscle. Common muscle flaps used in Icelandic practice include the latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominis, and gastrocnemius flaps, each harvested with its associated neurovascular bundle to maintain perfusion after relocation. The flap may be innervated to allow functional restoration when nerve transfer is performed, or it may remain denervated when the primary goal is coverage rather than movement.

The procedure begins with careful dissection of the chosen muscle and its pedicle, followed by mobilization to the recipient site while preserving the vascular supply. The flap is positioned to fill the defect, and the donor site is closed or reconstructed as needed. In many cases, the donor muscle is split to allow simultaneous coverage of multiple areas or to reduce functional deficit at the donor site.

Historically, muscle flaps have evolved from simple skin grafts to complex reconstructive procedures developed in the mid‑20th century. Advances in microsurgery and imaging have expanded the range of viable flaps and improved outcomes. Contemporary vöðvaflög often incorporate imaging guidance to map vessels and may be combined with free tissue transfer techniques for extensive reconstructions.

The advantages of a muscle flap include robust vascularity, ability to fill dead space, resistance to infection, and potential for simultaneous functional restoration. However, disadvantages may involve donor site morbidity, increased operative time, and the need for specialized surgical expertise. Post‑operative care focuses on monitoring perfusion, preventing wound dehiscence, and rehabilitating both donor and recipient sites to optimize functional recovery.