The posterior interosseous forearm island flap for skin defects in the hand and elbow. A prospective study of 51 cases.

The authors' experience of 51 posterior interosseous forearm island flaps is presented. Its main indications were inadequate scar or scar contraction and complex trauma with gross skin loss, either acute or postprimary. The flap healed uneventfully in 45 cases (88%), but in six it was partially or subtotally lost due to necrosis. Late complications included hair growth in the first web and palm, flap redundancy and hypertrophic scar at the donor site. The posterior interosseous island flap produces excellent skin coverage but is difficult to raise and tends to develop oedema and occasionally necrosis.