[Compound tissue reconstruction of the forearm in emergency. About 17 clinical cases]

The authors report a serial of 17 patients with complex trauma of the forearm treated in emergency by means of compound tissue reconstruction. Every patient present a cutaneous defect associated with multiple lesions or defects of the subjacent tissues. The management consisted of a large debridement with excision of all contuse tissues, a stable osteosynthesis witch permit an early mobilization of the hand and fingers, a revascularization of the hand by a by-pass procedure or a vascular bridge free flap, reconstruction of the muscles, tendons, and the nerves at the same time as possible, a coverage of the tissues by free flaps or forearm pedicle flaps and a physiotherapy by a specialized team undertaken immediately after surgery. The functional results have been evaluated satisfying in the whole serial. The authors conclude that the compound tissue reconstruction of the forearm in emergency with an early physiotherapy permits an optimal functional recovery within short period. It authorizes a rapid socioprofessional return of these patients with complex trauma of the forearm.