The use of island radial forearm flap for local hand coverage

Extensive skin loss of the hand often necessitates creation of a flap for reconstruction and cover. At King Fahd Hospital of the University in Al-Khobar, we have treated 13 cases of hand injury with radial forearm flaps. We found it easy to reconstruct the tissue loss by a reliable flap of optimal thickness which has a good arc of rotation and provides a supple surface. The donor site morbidity is minimal in our hands. The procedure should be adopted for extensive and tedious hand injuries when the appearance and function are both important after reconstruction.