title: Perforator-based forearm island flap.
abstract: Reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the hand with exposed tendons, nerves, joints and bones could be quite a challenge for the surgeon. Only adequate coverage can save their functions. In our case we present a patient with adduction contracture of the right thumb after II degree burns, treated with perforator-based forearm flap. This flap relies only on perforating branches (5 to 11 in number) arising from the radial artery and located proximal to the radial styloid (2 to 7 cm). The main advantages of this method are that it is a single-stage operative technique, it is applicable in emergency conditions, and the main artery is spared. The cosmetic effect of the donor site could be considered a disadvantage of this approach.
authors.affiliation: Pirogov Hospital for Emergency Medicine, Hand Surgery Department, Sofia, Bulgaria. mkateff@yahoo.com
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kateva
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dimitrov
mesh_terms: D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications*; D004387:Dupuytren Contracture / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000637:transplantation*; D013524:Surgical Flaps