Groin flaps in closure of multiple defects - series presentaion

Abstract

Background: Upper limb injuries are common and are sometimes associated with extensive soft tissue loss. Tissue loss from trauma presents with challenges in management with regard to reconstructive surgery. This usually requires immediate skin coverage especially in specialized regions such as hand and joints where scarring is unacceptable due to resulting poor function. This paper looks at multiple cases demonstrating the role of groin flaps in the coverage of various types of wound defects in the upper limb involving the hand and forearm.

Objective: To present a practical and reliable method of providing coverfor defects in the hand and forearm injuries.

Design: A prospective study.

Setting: Private hospitals in Nairobi especially Nairobi Hospital and Kenyatta National Hospital.

Materials and methods: These were private patients operated on over a period of one year between the plastic surgeon and orthopaedic surgeons.

Results: Nine, well documented patients with forearm and hand injuries are reported, five males and four females. The ages ranged between 8 and 48 years. They were compound fractures of Gustillo 3A and 38 category. All healed with good functional outcome.

Conclusion: This is a practical, reliable method of plastic coverage of large defects in the forearm, hand and beyond.