Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of using radial mid-forearm perforator fasciocutaneous flap to repair soft tissue defect in lower segment of the forearm and the wrist.
Methods: Between May 2007 and July 2012, 7 cases of soft tissue defect of lower segment of the forearm and the wrist were repaired with radial mid-forearm perforator fasciocutaneous flap. There were 6 males and 1 female with an average age of 38 years (range, 22-45 years). Defects were caused by crushing injury in 4 cases with the disease duration of 3-22 days (mean, 14 days), by internal fixation of ulnar comminuted fracture in 2 cases after 16 and 20 days of operation respectively, and by focal cleaning of wrist joint tuberculosis in 1 cases after 24 days of operation. The locations of defect were the lower segment of the forearm in 5 cases and the dorsal side of the wrist in 2 cases. The area of soft tissue defect ranged from 4 cm x 3 cm to 9 cm x 5 cm. The size of flap ranged from 6 cm x 4 cm to 12 cm x 6 cm. The donor site was closed with direct suturing or skin grafting.
Results: The intraoperative blood loss was 50- 90 mL (mean, 64 mL); the operation time was 60-80 minutes (mean, 72 minutes). Six flaps survived with wound healing by first intention; partial flap necrosis occurred in 1 case, and delayed healing was obtained after dressing change. Skin grafting at donor sites survived with healing of incision bly first intention. The patients were followed up 3-14 months (mean, 9 months). No ulcer or sinus tract was observed; all flaps showed a slightly swollen appearance and had normal color.
Conclusion: Radial mid-forearm perforator fasciocutaneous flap does not need to dissect the source of blood vessels due to constantly anatomical structure. It has the advantages of easy operation, rich blood supply, high survival rate, and satisfactory clinical effect, so it is an important supplement of the other non-main vessel pedicle flaps to repair soft tissue defect in the lower segment of the forearm and the wrist.