SOFT TISSUE COVERAGE IN HAND

ROLE OF FOUCHER ISLAND FLAP

Abstract

The foucher flap is a cutaneous island with a pedicle that has the triple advantages of arterial, venous, and neural connections.
The foucher flap can cover a defect within a radius equal to the length of its pedicle. It can be used in an emergency to preserve
a distal thumb fragment whose vascular repair by micro-surgical means is not possible. Objective: Evaluation of the role of
foucher island. Design: Prospective study Setting: Orthopaedic unit Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur. Period: Oct 1994
to Dec 1998. Materials & Method: The procedure has been employed in four patients. All male patients of ranging age from 6-40
years. Results: Good results in all four cases regarding to our criteria. Conclusion: Foucher island flap is recommended to
coverage the soft tissue defects over the volar and dorsal aspect of the hand and especially over the distal thumb.