Upper limb flaps for hand reconstruction.


Published online: Apr 27 2004

Xarchas KC, Chatzipapas C, Koukou O, Kazakos K.

Orthopaedic Department, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece

Abstract

This article reviews three of the most popular upper limb flaps used in hand surgery, namely the posterior interosseous flap, the lateral arm flap and the radial forearm flap. An anatomic study performed with the use of eight fresh cadavers (sixteen upper limbs) is supported by a wide review of the literature. The combined posterior interosseous and lateral arm flap is also discussed. It is concluded that these flaps are easily harvested and dependable and in spite of any disadvantages their combination should be adequate for the treatment of almost any hand injury.