Functional and aesthetic consequences in the forearm after harvesting the Chinese flap

We have evaluated the donor site after harvesting the chinese flap in 40 patients operated at the Clinic of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery of Brno between 1989 and 1994. We conclude that: 1--The hand function is not oustandly altered after harvesting the flap, but in our study 11 patients (27.5%) indicated that they have some limitation or impairment of their hand function. 2--Tolerance to forearm deformity is considerable, but it depends on degree of the defect for which the flap is transferred: 25 patients (62.5%) would like to elect a different flap. 3--It is necessary to think about cosmetic consequences of the chinese flap and consider other possibilities of the flap choice. Secondary defect may be for the patient a problem even several years after operation.