Abstract
Introduction and Objectives: Our aim is to describe the versatility of the Becker flap in different pathological conditions of the hand as treated in a orthopaedic trauma centre.
Materials and Methods: The Becker flap surgical technique is described as it is used in our centre as a means for coverage of injuries of the soft tissues in the palmar region of the hand. The procedure is described in three patients. One of these was a salvage procedure for recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome. The second was performed after an acute infection of the hypothenal eminence. The third involved coverage of a hand following trauma with a loss of tissue.
Results: In spite of the varied aetiologies of these cases, coverage was complete in all three cases, and there was no vascular compromise of the flap, nor dehiscence of sutures or acute infections. The use of the cubital flap was sufficient to resolve these conditions. On follow up, overall functional results for the hands were good, and the aesthetic results were acceptable for both the hand and the donor site.
Discussion and Conclusions: The Becker flap represents a good option for coverage of palmar cutaneous defects of the hand. Its versatility in the field of orthopaedic trauma makes it a practical and efficacious flap for use in acute and delayed cases.
The abstracts were prepared by Dr. E. Carlos Rodríguez-Merchán, Editor-in-Chief of the Spanish Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (Revista de Ortopedia y Traumatología). Correspondence should be sent to him at Sociedad Española de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología (SECOT), Calle Fernández de los Ríos, 108, 28015-Madrid, Spain
