Fibular head composite flap in repairing the bone and skin defect of radiocarpal joint / 中华整形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To investigate the therapeutic effect of fibular head composite flap in repairing the bone and skin defect of radiocarpal joint.@*Methods@#From Aug.2009 to Dec.2016, 9 cases with bone and skin defects at radiocarpal joint were reconstructed with fibular head composite flaps pedicled with lateral inferior genicular vascular bundle. The skin defect size was (3-7) cm×(5-10) cm.The joint function was assessed by the Gartland-Werley standard score.@*Results@#All 9 patients were followed up for 6 months to 3 years, with an average of 18 months.Primary wound healing was achieved in all cases without infection.Bony union of the transplanted fibular head was observed .The range of motion (ROM) of the wrist joint and forearm was assessed as following: the mean extension range of motion was 32.9° (range 29°-41°), flexion 24.5° (range 18°-33°), pronation 75° (range 56°-83°)and supination 65.4° (range 40°-78°). The average grip strength was 78% of that on the healthy side. Mayo wrist score was 85 on average, ranging from 58 to 91.By the Gartland-Werley standard score, the wrist function was rated as excellent in 3 case, good in 5 cases and fair in 1 case, with an excellent to good rate of 88.9%.All patients could cope with daily life and work, with good wrist stability and no motion-related pain.@*Conclusions@#The fibular head composite tissue flap has a good therapeutic effect in repairing the bone and skin defect of radiocarpal joint.