[Soft tissue reconstruction of the finger with free, posterior ramus of the anterior interosseous artery-based septo-cutaneous flap. Anatomy--technique--case examples].

In cases of larger soft-tissue defects of the fingers which cannot be covered with local or regional flaps, pedicled or even free flaps can be used. Pedicled flaps and most free flaps are too bulky and need several trimmings before a cosmetically and functionally satisfactory result is achieved. Free flaps used for soft-tissue reconstruction in digits should be thin and should have a low donor-site morbidity. The free flaps based on the anterior interosseous artery, especially the one based on the dorsal branch, are ideal for soft-tissue reconstruction of single digits. They are very thin and can be harvested in the same operative field. Donor-site morbidity is usually low. The clinical usefullness of this flap is shown in the reconstruction of three consecutive cases of severely damaged fingers.