THUMB RECONSTRUCTION BY THE ANTERIOR INTEROSSEOUS OSTEOCUTANEOUS RETROGRADE ISLAND FLAP

An original method for thumb reconstruction by the anterior interosseo us osteocutaneous island flap is presented. This flap, based on the su perior perforating branch of the anterior interosseous artery, is loca ted on the posterior aspect of the forearm, over the distal third of t he radius. The dorsal vascular network of the wrist allows the flap to be raised as a retrograde island flap to reach all the parts of the f irst ray for reconstruction of osteocutaneous loss of the thumb. Two c ases have been operated upon successfully with a satisfactory result.