Vascularized periosteal flaps of distal forearm and hand.
BACKGROUND
Vascularized periosteal flaps (VPFs) are flexible osteogenic flaps, suitable for the reconstruction of small skeletal defects. Pedicled VPFs, harvested near the recipient site, minimize donor-site morbidity and procedure duration. The donor sites and the potential recipient sites for pedicled VPFs of the distal forearm-hand were identified in this study.


METHODS
In 16 fresh cadaver upper extremities, the dimensions and arcs of rotation of the VPF pedicle(s) were studied.


RESULTS
Pedicled VPFs with mean dimensions ranging between 0.5 x 3 cm and 2.5 x 4 cm could cover, after adequate mobilization, the distal half of the forearm, wrist, and hand to the proximal interphalangeal joints.


CONCLUSIONS
The VPFs identified in this study can be used for the reconstruction of small skeletal defects and for the treatment of osteonecrotic lesions and nonunions of the distal forearm, wrist, and hand. The choice of the most suitable VPF will be based on the anatomic location and the dimensions of the recipient site.
Dailiana
Zoe H
ZH
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessalia, Larissa, Greece. dailiana@otenet.gr
Malizos
Konstantinos N
KN
Urbaniak
James R
JR
D002102:Cadaver; D005542:Forearm / Q000098:blood supply*; D005543:Forearm Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006225:Hand / Q000098:blood supply*; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps