Reverse flow posterior interosseous flap: experience with 53 flaps at Nishtar Hospital, Multan.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of reverse flow posterior interosseous artery flap for the coverage of large variety of hand/wrist defects.

METHODS: The prospective study was conducted a the Department of Plastic Surgery and the Burns Unit of Nishtar Hospital, Multan, Pakistan, from June 2008 to June 2010. The study comprised 53 reverse flow posterior interosseous artery flaps in 50 patients for the coverage of hand/wrist defects both in emergency and elective settings. Data was analysed using SPSS 10.

RESULTS: The hand/wrist defects in the study population were caused by different etiologies. All the flaps survived in all the patients. Marginal loss over the distal edge of the flap was noted in one patient. Mild oedema developed in all patients, but it subsided except in one case. None of our cases showed any evidence of venous congestion. Regarding the donor site morbidity, only one case had partial STSG loss. Mean hospital stay post-flap coverage in the patients ranged from 7 to 21 days.

CONCLUSION: Reverse flow posterior interosseous artery flap in experienced hands is safe, versatile and reliable for the coverage of hand/wrist defects.