Versatile clinical application of radial artery perforator flap for hand and wrist reconstruction

Background/Aim. Radial artery perforator flap (RAPF) as a type of fasciocutaneous or adipofascial reverse pedicle flap, proved to be versatile for reconstruction small and moderate size soft tissue defects the forearm, wrist, hand. It provides suitable skin coverage with elastic subcutaneous protect exposed damaged functional structures. The aim this study is summarize analyse results treatment our patients upper extremity caused by trauma, infection, burn tumour removal which were reconstructed RAPF. Methods. This retrospective includes 20 consecutive hand treated in University Clinical Centre Vojvodina from 2012 2022. Design flaps length pedicles determined recipient site. Tourniquet induced exsanguination was used during surgery better visualization. elevated placed at site defect. Patient flaps? data summarized upon their collection. Results. Distally based radial all cases. average age 48 years, mostly males (64%). Defects most often localized on dorsal part (60%) wrist (20%). common indications trauma (45%) resection (25%). A satisfactory defect achieved no loss. Venous congestion noted 4 (20%) resulted partial necrosis 3 (15%). Wound healing conservative secondary intention two suture last one. surgical infection occurred 2 (10%) withdrew after proper local systemic therapy. Conclusion. workhorse limb. solution led an excellent aesthetic outcome majority patients. Complex procedures could done simultaneously, together tendons, joints, fracture stabilisation. reliability safety confirmed through clinical data.