Thumb reconstruction by the anterior interosseous osteocutaneous retrograde island flap

Abstract

An original method for thumb reconstruction by the anterior interosseous osteocutaneous island flap is presented. This flap, based on the superior perforating branch of the anterior interosseous artery, is located on the posterior aspect of the forearm, over the distal third of the radius. The dorsal vascular network of the wrist allows the flap to be raised as a retrograde island flap to reach all the parts of the first ray for reconstruction of osteocutaneous loss of the thumb. Two cases have been operated upon successfully with a satisfactory result.