“Spare Part” Forearm Free Flaps Harvested from the Amputated Limb for Coverage of Amputation Stumps

Abstract

The use of "spare part" flaps from a non-replantable limb to cover amputation stumps in the upper extremity preserves limb length, provides durable coverage and sensation and will avoid additional donor site morbidity. We have studied the blood supply of the forearm based on the radial artery. The potential for harvesting different tissues is confirmed. In five clinical cases reliable primary soft tissue reconstruction was achieved, even in the presence of trauma.