[The anterior interosseous flap in wrist and hand surgery: a series of fifteen cases].

INTRODUCTION

Fifteen anterior interosseous flaps were used to reconstruct wrist and hand defects in fifteen patients (thirteen men and two women) with a mean of 38 years (27-42 years).

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Seven anterior interosseous osteoperiosteal flaps and eight anterior interosseous osteocutaneous flaps were used. Seven island flaps and eight free flaps based on the anterior interosseous artery were raised. The indications were scaphoid non-union (4 cases), first metacarpal non-union (2 cases), proximal phalanx non-union (1 case), Kienböck's disease (2 cases), osteocutaneous phalangeal defects (3 cases), osseous capitatum defect (1 case) and intracarpal arthrodesis (2 cases).

RESULTS

Postoperatively, one fracture of the distal end of the radius was noted because of a large osteoperiosteal corticotomy. Osseous reconstruction was usually consolidated at three months. One failure was noticed (Kienböck's disease). No significant deformity was noticed in the donor site.

CONCLUSION

The anterior interosseous flap seems to be a useful alternative to reconstruct small or moderate defects in wrist and hand surgery.