RADIAL ARTERY FOREARM ISLAND FLAP

Abstract

The radial artery supplies a large part of the skin of the forearm. An axial vascular flap
including this artery can be constructed to provide tissue replacement in certain cases of complex loss of
substance affecting the hand. The skin supplied by the radial artery forms a territory extending from the wrist
to the elbow. The mean dimension is 16 by 8 cm. It accounts for two-thirds of the palmar surface of the
forearm and at least its radial boundary. Objective: Evaluation of the role of Chinese forearm island flap for
soft tissue coverage in hand. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Orthopaedic Unit Bahawal Victoria Hospital
Bahawalpur. Period: Oct. 1994 to Dec. 1998. Materials and Methods: The procedure has been employed in
12 patients, 11 males and 1 female of age ranging from 25-50 year. Results: Good results in 12 patients.
Conclusion: Radial forearm island flap is recommended to cover the soft tissue defect over the volar and dorsal
aspect of the hand and especially over the thumb.