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Reconstruction of dorsal hand and finger defects with reverse radial fasciocutaneous forearm flaps

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European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the midterm outcome and the degree of satisfaction of patients who underwent reconstruction of dorsal hand and finger defects with reverse flow radial fasciocutaneous forearm flaps and to test whether or not this is a reliable method which can be applied without the need for microsurgery.

Patients and methods

Eleven patients were admitted with post-traumatic complex hand defects and treated by reconstruction with reverse flow radial fasciocutaneous forearm flaps from January 2010 to May 2013. The patient demographics, size of the hand and finger defects, and complications were recorded. The functional status of each of the patients was evaluated using the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scoring system, and patient satisfaction was assessed  using Likert scores.

Results

The patients comprised nine males and two females with a mean age of 30.7 ± 9.7 years. The mean follow-up period was 18.4 ± 5.2 months. The average defect size was 41 ± 14.3 cm². None of the patients had circulation defects caused by the sacrifice of the radial artery. The mean quick DASH score was determined as 30.2 ± 15.3. The Likert patient satisfaction evaluation was good in one patient, and very good in ten patients. All flaps survived well with only two complications; superficial skin necrosis occurred at the suture site in one patient and venous insufficiency occurred in the other patient. Both complications recovered with secondary healing following wound debridement.

Conclusions

The reverse-flow radial forearm flap is a reliable method in the management of dorsal defects of the hand and does not require micro-surgical techniques.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Medical School of Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey

    Mehmet Ali Acar, Ali Güleç, Bahattin Kerem Aydin & Ömer Faruk Erkoçak

  2. Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Medical Faculty Hospital of Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Istanbul, Turkey

    Mehmet Elmadag

  3. Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, N.E. University Meram School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey

    Faik Türkmen

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  1. Mehmet Ali Acar
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  2. Ali Güleç
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  3. Bahattin Kerem Aydin
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  4. Ömer Faruk Erkoçak
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  5. Mehmet Elmadag
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  6. Faik Türkmen
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Correspondence to Mehmet Ali Acar.

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Acar, M.A., Güleç, A., Aydin, B.K. et al. Reconstruction of dorsal hand and finger defects with reverse radial fasciocutaneous forearm flaps. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 25, 723–729 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-014-1544-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-014-1544-7

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