Journal of Plastic, Breast & Reconstructive Surgery·Рецензовані звіти про хірургічні випадки у відкритому доступіРецензовано · Відкритий доступ
David Salim. Case 16: Utilizing the reverse radial forearm flap for burn wound management of the hypothenar part of hand. Journal of Plastic, Breast & Reconstructive Surgery. 2025.
Відкритий доступ. © 2025 Автор(и). Опубліковано Journal of Plastic, Breast & Reconstructive Surgery. Авторські права на цей випадок спільно належать автору(ам) та журналу; автори можуть повторно використовувати свій випадок для освітніх цілей, презентацій та соціальних мереж.
Продовжити читання
David Salim1
A 55-year-old man had sought and was admitted to the emergency department one week after sustaining a superficial second degree burn wound on the hypothenar region of the right hand after accidentally placing it on a hot stove. At first sight, the burn wound seemed quite superficial and conservative healing and bandaging was initially deemed sufficient with the aim of spontaneous healing. One week after the initial assessment in the emergency department, the patient was seen for a routine clinical control of the wound. At this consultation, the patient scored 4/4 positive Kanavel’s signs and flexor tenosynovitis was suspected. Afterwards immediate wound revision of the right hypothenar was conducted. During wound revision, considerable amounts pus was noted and furthermore the musculus abductor digiti minimi was avital and excised. Suitable wound dressing was applied, pus was sent for culture and sensitivity testing and the patient was gives appropriate peroral antibiotics. After numerous wound revisions and debridement, control of the infection at the orthopedic surgery department was achieved. The patient was then referred to the plastic surgery department for planning of soft tissue coverage with a reverse radial forearm flap. Patient medical history The patient was known to have substantial unregulated diabetes mellitus type two, but no other known medical comorbidities. Before and After Patient examination The patient was seen in an outpatient setting in the plastic surgery department for planning of surgery. The defect was located to the whole hypothenar region of the right hand. Substantial soft tissue loss was noted and the 3-5th flexor tendons were exposed. Pre-operative considerations A reverse radial forearm
The reverse radial forearm flap has excellent arc of rotation and reach and is a workhorse in reconstruction of considerable soft tissue defects in the palm, hypothenar, thenar, digits, and even dorsal hand.
It can be utilized either as a pedicled flap without microsurgical anastomosis or a free flap.
It is a thin, pliable flap with minimal bulk and provides vascularized, flexible coverage for tendons, nerves, and joints without restricting movement.
The retrograde venous drainage can be unreliable, increasing the risk of flap congestion and failure, especially in patients with poor venous outflow.
BeforeAfterThe patient was known to have substantial unregulated diabetes mellitus type two, but no other known medical comorbidities.
The patient was seen in an outpatient setting in the plastic surgery department for planning of surgery. The defect was located to the whole hypothenar region of the right hand. Substantial soft tissue loss was noted and the 3-5th flexor tendons were exposed.
One week after the patient had sustained the burn wound of the right hypothenar region. At first sight, it does not look very affected and only seems to be damaged by the burn accident in the epidermis and superficial dermis.
Beginning ulceration of the skin and pyogenic infection.
2
Preoperative markings for a RRFF are crucial for ensuring safe flap harvest, adequate vascular supply, and optimal functional outcomes. The first step is to identify and mark the course of the radial artery, which is best done using a handheld Doppler. The artery runs along the forearm between the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) and brachioradialis (BR) muscles, extending from the wrist proximally toward the antecubital fossa. This marking is essential to guide dissection and avoid accidental injury to the vascular supply.
The pedicle pivot point must be marked approximately 1–2 cm proximal to the radial styloid, ensuring that the flap has sufficient length to reach the hypothenar defect without excessive tension. It is important to passively move the wrist into flexion and extension to confirm that the flap will mobilize properly to the defect site without excessive restriction.
Next, the flap dimensions are outlined based on the size of the defect, in this case, the hypothenar region. The proximal boundary of the flap should be just distal to the antecubital fossa, allowing for an adequate vascular pedicle length, while the distal boundary extends to the wrist, ensuring the preservation of the palmar arch for retrograde perfusion. The width of the flap should generally remain within 8–10 cm to allow for primary closure when possible, or minimal use of a skin graft if necessary. The center of the flap should be positioned directly over the radial artery to ensure optimal perfusion.
3
Once markings are complete, the tourniquet is inflated to create a bloodless field. Incisions are made along the flap borders, beginning at the ulnar side and extending distally to the wrist. Dissection proceeds in the subfascial plane, preserving the radial artery, its venae comitantes, and the cephalic vein within the flap. The radial sensory nerve is carefully identified and protected to prevent postoperative sensory deficits. As the flap is elevated, perforating branches from the radial artery to the flexor tendons and muscle bellies are ligated to free the vascular pedicle. The cephalic vein, which plays a crucial role in venous drainage, is included within the flap to prevent venous congestion. The proximal radial artery is identified and ligated just distal to the antecubital fossa, ensuring that blood supply is maintained through retrograde perfusion via the palmar arch.
4
Once fully elevated, the flap is carefully mobilized toward the defect, ensuring there is no excessive tension. The distal pivot point, located approximately 1–2 cm proximal to the radial styloid, is assessed to confirm that the flap can reach the recipient site without restriction. If necessary, subcutaneous or fascial release is performed to facilitate movement. The flap is then inset into the defect using meticulous suturing techniques, ensuring tension-free closure. The donor site is assessed for closure, and if primary closure is not possible, a split-thickness skin graft is harvested as in this case, typically from the thigh, and applied. Finally, the tourniquet is deflated, and flap perfusion is reassessed. Postoperatively, the limb is immobilized in a splint, and close monitoring is performed to ensure flap viability, with early intervention for any signs of ischemia or congestion.
5
The flap is inset into the defect using meticulous suturing techniques, ensuring tension-free closure. If venous congestion is noted, adjustments may be made, including optimizing cephalic vein outflow or using a microvascular anastomosis if required.
6
Functional flap and complete healing of the donor site with a STSG. Only a minor defect of about 10x15 mm on the fifth digit distally remained, which was planned to heal conservatively.
7
The patient was hospitalized seven days after the surgery in the ward.
Immediate Postoperative Care (the first 24 hours after surgery)
Early Postoperative Period (1–7 Days)
Intermediate Recovery (1–4 Weeks)
Gradual hand rehabilitation began with passive range of motion exercises after 7–10 days, progressing to active range of motion after 3–4 weeks. Wound healing monitoring was done during routine clinical control appointments in a out-patient setting to assess for infection and wound dehiscence while also assessing status of the flap.
Long-Term Recovery (1–3 Months and Beyond)
The reverse radial forearm flap has excellent arc of rotation and reach and is a workhorse in reconstruction of considerable soft tissue defects in the palm, hypothenar, thenar, digits, and even dorsal hand.
It can be utilized either as a pedicled flap without microsurgical anastomosis or a free flap.
It is a thin, pliable flap with minimal bulk and provides vascularized, flexible coverage for tendons, nerves, and joints without restricting movement.
The retrograde venous drainage can be unreliable, increasing the risk of flap congestion and failure, especially in patients with poor venous outflow.
