The ulnar artery forearm free flap.

The ulnar artery forearm flap is a reliable, versatile and convenient fasciocutaneous flap. Based on the ulnar artery distal to the common interosseous branch it may include muscle (FCU) tendon (PL) and bone (ulna). The arterial and venous anatomy allow a flow-through capability and a reversal of flow which permits its use as a distally pedicled island flap. Many of its properties are shared with the radial flap, but the ulnar flap has further advantages. The donor site is virtually hairless, easily closed even when bone is taken, and is less obvious as it lies on the proximal ulnar aspect of the forearm. The ulnar artery is not reconstituted and in 11 cases there has been no clinical evidence of any circulatory, sensory or motor impairment of the hand. The flap is especially useful in intra-oral reconstruction and has been valuable in the lower leg where it may restore deficient distal circulation.