Dorsal forearm adipofascial turnover flap among the elderly

Abstract

We have assessed the results of soft tissue cover on the back of the hand using an adipofascial turnover flap. From 2004 until 2007, 14 patients (mean age: 62 years) underwent reconstruction of extensive defects in the dorsum of the hand, using a forearm adipofascial turnover flap based on the perforators of the anterior interosseous artery covered with a split skin graft. The pivot point of the flap is typically 4-6 cm proximal to the level of the radial styloid process. In 93% of patients, the reconstruction healed without any problem. The adipofascial turnover flap is a useful and reliable method of reconstruction of the dorsum of the hand even in elderly patients.