Infected pseudoarthrosis of the wrist after open radial fracture is difficult to treat and bone grafts are often necessary. We report the use of a scapula tip and latissimus dorsi free flap to treat infected pseudoarthrosis of the wrist. A 55-year-old male presented with a left open radial fracture (Gustilo typeⅢB) sustained while working with a forklift. Persistent deep infection developed after fracture fixation. A large skin and soft tissue defect remained on the left wrist. Split-thickness skin grafting was performed after controlling the infection. However, the patient developed pseudoarthrosis of the wrist and presented with pain, reduced hand function, and contracture of the hand and forearm. Parts of the proximal carpal bones and distal radius were removed, and the defect was reconstructed using a scapula tip and latissimus dorsi free flap.
Postoperatively, stabilization of the wrist joint, pain reduction, and improved hand function were observed. This case suggested that a scapula tip and latissimus dorsi free flap is an option for the treatment of carpal and radial bone defects involving skin and soft tissue defects.
