USE OF FOREARM FLAPS FOR THE SEVERELY CONTRACTED FIRST WEB SPACE IN CHILDREN WITH CONGENITAL-MALFORMATIONS

Eighteen forearm flaps were used in 12 patients with congenital anomal ies following release of severe first web-space contractures. Radial f orearm axial pattern flaps were preferred in 10 children, and the dors al interosseous system was used in 2 patients with incomplete palmar a rches and those who had previous surgery. Ten of the flaps were transf erred in children younger than 2 years of age. The results were excell ent both esthetically and functionally. Superficial skin loss occurred in one patient. These local vascular island flaps are an excellent al ternative for coverage in situations where a large tissue deficiency e xists after an adequate release.