A composite neuro-teno-cutaneous forearm flap in the one-stage reconstruction of a large defect of the soft tissue around the ankle.

The vascular anatomy of the radial forearm flap, incorporating the brachioradialis and palmaris tendons together with the superficial radial nerve in 20 fresh cadavers, is described. The radial artery in the cadaveric forearm was irrigated and injected with blue latex. The number and distribution of the cutaneous branches supplying the skin, brachioradialis tendon, palmaris tendon, and superficial radial nerve, were then documented in relation to the distance from the radiocarpal joint. The radial artery was found to provide adequate blood supply to the above structures. This flap has been used as a composite neuro-teno-cutaneous flap to resurface a large defect involving tendon, nerve, and skin loss in the ankle and the foot as a one-stage procedure. This technique avoids multiple-staged operations and thus shortens the convalescent period in rehabilitation of severely traumatized limbs.