Reverse osseofasciocutaneous radial forearm flap for thumb reconstruction: a flap design and case series

To report the outcome of the modified design of the osseofasciocutaneous radial forearm flap. The flap was modified because of problems associated with the use in thumb reconstruction.

We performed retrospective review of all patients who sustained nonreplantable thumb amputations who had this procedure between August 2000 and March 2005. The patients' ages ranged between 24 and 39 years. Demographic data and details of the level of amputation and alternative surgical procedures were reviewed. Eight male patients were identified and constituted the study cohort. The size of flap, length of the radius harvested, time to union, sensibility (moving 2-point discrimination test), grip and pinch strengths, complications, and patient outcome were determined.

All patients who had the butterfly design of the reverse-flow osseofasciocutaneous radial forearm flap had an adequate and painless soft-tissue padding on the tip of the reconstructed thumb that provided good protection for the distal stump of the vascularized bone graft. Patients did not experience strictures at the bottom of the reconstructed tubes.

The butterfly design is a useful modification of the skin paddle of the reverse osseofasciocutaneous radial forearm flap for thumb reconstruction. The design offers an easy way to reconstruct a tube shape with adequate padding on the tip and no terminal scar. In addition it prevents the constricting effect of the circumferential scar on the button of the reconstructed tube.