Reverse radial forearm fascial flap for soft tissue coverage of hand and forearm wounds

Six patients with severe hand and forearm injuries involving open wounds and exposed structures were treated with reverse radial forearm fascial flaps and split-thickness skin grafts for soft tissue cover. There were five men and one woman aged between 16 and 36 years. Injuries included soft tissue avulsion on the dorsum of the hand and fingers, extensive flexor and extensor tendon damage, multiple phalangeal fractures, a grade IIIB open dislocation of the index to little carpometacarpal joints, a grade III open metacarpal fracture and a finger amputation. The average wound size was 9 cm in length and 7 cm in width. The mean duration of follow-up was 12 months (range, 5-20 months). All flaps healed well, and all patients were satisfied.