One stage reconstruction of intercalated defect of the thumb using the osteocutaneous radial forearm flap

A radial forearm flap including a segment of the cortex of the radius, based on the distal pedicle of the radial vessels and the cephalic vein, was used to reconstruct an intercalated defect of the thumb in two cases. In one case it was used as an ipsilateral pedicle flap while in the other case it was used as a free microvascular flap. In both cases, the skin flap as well as the segment of bone survived in toto without any evidence of creeping substitution. The functional result was good in both cases. This flap provides thin skin of good texture together with bone for a one-stage reconstruction.