The posterior interosseous artery flap: Clinical results with special emphasis on donor site morbidity

Abstract

This study evaluated the clinical results, and especially the donor site morbidity of the posterior interosseous artery flap. A retrospective study included 40 patients with defects covered with posterior interosseous flaps. Twenty-one patients were available for a follow-up examination to assess donor site morbidity by evaluating the dimensions and quality of the donor site scar and the forearm contour as well as complaints and subjective satisfaction with the aesthetic result. The flaps and related donor sites healed uneventfully in 29 cases (72.5%); healing was delayed in 11 cases (27.5%), with total flap loss in two cases. Further surgery was required in six cases. The quality of the donor site scar rated with the Vancouver Scar Scale averaged 2.4 points. Eleven patients (55%) reported impaired sensibility around the donor site and four patients (20%) had physical complaints. Subjective and objective donor site evaluation revealed significantly lower donor site morbidity for directly closed as opposed to skin grafted donor sites, although subjectively, there was a high level of satisfaction in both groups. Our data indicated that the posterior interosseous flap is a valuable option for the management of soft-tissue defects on the dorsum of the hand, due to its anatomical reliability and soft and pliable tissue, its low donor site morbidity and high patient acceptance.