Background: The posterior interosseous artery flap (PIAF)
is indicated in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects on the
1st webspace, dorsal & volar aspect of the hand and wrist.
The PIAF is a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing solution
for covering deficiencies in soft tissue when bone and/or
tendons are exposed on the dorsal & palmer sides of the
thumb, hand & wrist.
Objective: This research aimed to assess the PIA fasciocutaneous
flap in reconstruction of hand defects in terms of
aesthetic appearance, hand function & morbidity at the donor
site.
Methods: This case series research was carried out on 15
cases with soft tissue hand defects. All cases underwent full
history taking, clinical evaluation, laboratory investigations
and radiological evaluation with plain X-rays.
Results: Regarding the scar assessment, it was good in
12 (80%) cases and fair in 3 (20%). DASH score ranged from
30-60 with a mean of 38.7±11.25. Regarding donation site
problems, only 2 (13%) cases had cold intolerance and numbness.
Regarding the incidence of complications, there were
1 (7%) patient had distal flap necrosis and 1 (7%) had venous
congestion. The hospital stay of the studied cases ranged from
4-10 days with a mean of 6.9±1.83 day. The follow-up of the
studied cases ranged from 3-6 months with a mean of 4.3±1.11
months.
Conclusions: The reverse-flow posterior interosseous
artery flap (PIAF) is a reliable and versatile flap for defects
resurfacing of mild to moderate size on the dorsal & palmar
aspect of the hand up to the MPJ, thumb up to the IP joint &
1st web space.