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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Engineered Vascularized Muscle Flap
Published on: January 11, 2016
Vascularized periosteal flaps of distal forearm and hand
Zoe H Dailiana1, Konstantinos N Malizos, James R Urbaniak
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessalia, Larissa, Greece. dailiana@otenet.gr
Background:
Vascularized periosteal flaps (VPFs) are flexible osteogenic flaps, suitable for the reconstruction of small skeletal defects. Pedicled VPFs, harvested near the recipient site, minimize donor-site morbidity and procedure duration. The donor sites and the potential recipient sites for pedicled VPFs of the distal forearm-hand were identified in this study.
Methods:
In 16 fresh cadaver upper extremities, the dimensions and arcs of rotation of the VPF pedicle(s) were studied.
Results:
Pedicled VPFs with mean dimensions ranging between 0.5 x 3 cm and 2.5 x 4 cm could cover, after adequate mobilization, the distal half of the forearm, wrist, and hand to the proximal interphalangeal joints.
Conclusion:
The VPFs identified in this study can be used for the reconstruction of small skeletal defects and for the treatment of osteonecrotic lesions and nonunions of the distal forearm, wrist, and hand. The choice of the most suitable VPF will be based on the anatomic location and the dimensions of the recipient site.
