The place of local/regional perforator flaps in complex traumas of the forearm

Abstract

Background

Our aim was to conduct a retrospective study regarding the advantages of doing the all-in-one reconstruction in the same step with the debridement, and the possibility of using the local/regional perforator flaps to cover the tissue defects.

Methods

We reviewed a series of 137 cases from 1999 until now, for acute traumas with tissue defects of the forearm. We performed a regional perforator flap in 16 cases, and a local perforator flap in 121 cases. These flaps were used for both simple and complex defects coverage, including 26 cases with fractures and devascularization.

Results

The follow-up was between 2 months and 2 years. In all the cases the extremity was salvaged and an useful functional recovery was obtained. A very good evolution, with complete survival of the flap was recorded in 133 cases. We completely lost only one flap, and registered minor complications in three cases.

Conclusion

The local perforator flaps represent a good and safe indication for small and medium defects in the forearm.

Keywords

Complex forearm traumas - Emergency all-in-one reconstruction - Free flaps - Local/Regional perforator flaps

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