Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

Abstract

ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
The posterior interosseous artery flap is now increasingly considered as an alternative to the radial and ulnar forearm flap because the later required disruption of major arterial supply of the hand.
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the posterior interosseous artery faciocutaneous flap in reconstruction of hand defects as regard to durability, color match and donor site morbidity.
METHODS:
During a period of 21 months, 10 patients with age ranging between 22-54 years underwent reconstruction of hand defects by distally based posterior interosseous artery flap in Al-Wasity Teaching Hospital.
RESULT:
All the flaps survived completely. One case developed partial graft failure due to early mobilization. Two cases developed temporary weakness of extensor muscles of the hand due to neuropraxia of the posterior interosseous nerve. The over all result is good functionally and acceptable aesthetically.
CONCLUSION:
Posterior interosseous flap is a good option in well selected patients and meticulous planning and delicate dissection as well as adequate immobilization minimize the complications like nerve injury, edema and graft loss.