Simultaneous revascularization and coverage of a complex volar hand blast injury: case report using a contralateral...

War wounds have created a unique reconstructive challenge for successful functional limb salvage. Various injury patterns related to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) occur and proper reconstruction goes a long way in reducing subsequent disfigurement and morbidity. One case in which a contralateral radial forearm flow-through flap is used for simultaneous revascularization and coverage of an IED hand blast injury is described. The advantages of this flap was its consistent arterial anatomy and long vascular pedicle. The thin skin paddle was used for soft tissue coverage of flexor tendon repair, median and ulnar nerve reconstruction, and metacarpal bone open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Recovery of motor function was satisfactory.