• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.103-109
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• 2000

Purpose : We performed this study in order to analyze the clinical results of functioning gracilis musculocutaneous free flap transplantation for reconstructon of hand function in cases of Volkmann's ischemic contracture and massive soft tissue injury of forearm. Materials and methods : 18 cases were reviewed with 5 yeas of mean follow up period. We evaluated total active motion of the finger joints and wrist, pinch and grip strength. Results : The flap were survived in 17 cases and 1 case was failed due to infection. The sum of active motion of finger joints(TAM) was improved from 0 to $173.8^{\circ}$. The average grip and pinch strength was improved from 0 kg to $2.7{\pm}2.1kg$ and from 0 kg to $2.4{\pm}1.6kg$. Conclusion : The results in most cases were acceptable in relatively long term follow-up. It may be an option for reconstruction of hand function in cases of Volkmann's ischemic contracture and traumatic upper extremity injury.