The radial forearm island flap in upper limb reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Dermatology

Background:

• Skin loss in the upper limb presents a reconstructive challenge.
• Effective resurfacing requires thin, pliable, and functional skin coverage.

Observation:

• The radial forearm island flap is a potential reconstructive option.
• This flap provides a thin, pliable, and innervated skin cover.

Findings:

• The radial forearm island flap enables safe, one-stage reconstruction of upper limb skin defects.
• Five cases illustrate the flap's adaptability and effectiveness in various upper limb scenarios.

Implications:

• The radial forearm island flap is a versatile and reliable technique for upper limb reconstruction.
• This method offers a valuable solution for achieving functional and aesthetic skin coverage.