The evolution of the free forearm flap

Abstract

The evolution of the radial forearm flap is described from its use as a free flap in hand repair to a pedicled flap in ipsilateral hand trauma. Four types are described: reverse forearm island flap, 69 cases; reverse forearm fascial flap, 18 cases; reverse forearm flap without the radial artery, 16 cases; reverse conventional forearm island flap without the radial artery, 6 cases. In the 109 cases presented, flap survival was 100 percent.