Use of ulnar vascular reverse skin flap in hand defects. A report of two cases.

Abstract

Introduction: The primary goal in musculocutaneous injuries is to achieve effective anatomical repair and coverage. For managing skin defects on the hand with exposed tendons, bone, or nerves, the ulnar vascular reverse skin flap is a reliable and versatile reconstructive option, as it provides thin, flexible, well-vascularized tissue for these conditions. The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness and final results of hand skin coverage using the ulnar flap.

Materials and methods: A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted on patients treated for loss of skin coverage of the hand on the medial and anteromedial border of the little finger at the Traumatology Department of Hospital Alcívar, between 2023 and 2025.

Case report: Two male patients were treated with an ulnar vascular reverse skin flap. The Likert scale was used to assess postoperative satisfaction, yielding a high level of satisfaction.

Conclusions: The ulnar vascular reverse skin flap is a versatile and reliable option for hand reconstruction, particularly on the medial and anteromedial borders of the little finger, providing high-quality coverage without compromising the limb's main vascular supply.