Posterior interosseous artery flap in traumatic hand injuries.
BACKGROUND
Nineteen cases of posterior interosseous artery (PIOA) flap were reviewed. The patients' mean age was 24 (range 14-53) years.


METHODS
Nine patients were operated on as emergencies, and 10 patients were treated electively. Mean time of delay after trauma was 7.8 h (range 2-20 h) in emergency cases. Nine of them were non-replantable amputations. Skin defects were between 1.9 x 2.4 cm and 5.0 x 12.0 cm. Mean hospitalization time was 2.2 (range 1-5) days.


RESULTS
Mean flap sensation was evaluated as 2.83-6.65 with the Semmes-Weinstein evaluation scale (only 2 patients scored less than 3.61). Five patients presented with discoloration and coolness. Average subjective evaluation was 8.2/10. Mean web opening after first web reconstruction was 40 degrees. One posterior interosseous neuropraxia ( recovered in 4 months), one distal flap necrosis, and one flap lost (due to infection) occurred as early complications. Mean follow-up was 12.8 months (range 15 days to 30 months).


CONCLUSIONS
PIOA flap applications have reduced the need for lateral arm and radial forearm flaps and also shortened hospitalization time in clinical practice.
Ege
Ahmet
A
Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Karaelmas University Medical School, 67600 Kozlu/Zonguldak, Turkey. ahmetege007@hotmail.com
Tuncay
Ibrahim
I
Erçetin
Omer
O
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002058:Burns, Electric / Q000601:surgery; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013933:Thumb / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery