[Soft-tissue reconstruction of the dorsum of the hand and finger to cover the extender tendons]

Abstract

Small defects of extensor tendons can mostly be covered by local flaps. For larger defects the groin flaps, pedicled flaps from the forearm and free flaps are indicated. Between January 2001 and December 2005, we performed the following pedicled and free flaps to reconstruct the soft tissue defects of the hand or distal forearm: 23 pedicled flaps: 15 posterior interosseus artery or perforator flaps, 8 radial forearm flaps; 26 free flaps: 4 radial forearm flaps, 12 lateral upper arm flaps, 10 latissimus, serratus fascia or scapula flaps. With this study we want to illustrate the different procedures, compare their surgical techniques and outcomes and finally to rate the results. In the context of security, morbidity of the donor site and functional outcomes, our favourite flap is the lateral upper arm flap.