Flow changes in forearm arteries after elevating the radial forearm flap: prospective study using color duplex imaging.

The aim of the present study was to assess the changes in flow patterns of forearm arteries produced by excision of the radial artery when harvesting the radial forearm flap. A prospective study using color duplex imaging for quantitative flow measurements was accomplished in 11 patients. After raising the radial flap, the forearm flow tended to increase overall, the ulnar (P = 0.04), the posterior interosseous (P = 0.003), and the anterior interosseous (P = 0.003) arteries being responsible for this tendency. Therefore, harvesting of a radial flap must not be considered as causing vascular morbidity in terms of blood supply to the hand.