The dorsal antebrachial muscles may be distinguished in the superficial group, which includes the brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis, extensor digitorum, extensor digiti minimi, extensor carpi ulnaris, and anconeus, and in the deep group, including the supinator, abductor pollicis longus, extensor pollicis brevis, extensor pollicis longus, and extensor indicis.

The patient illustrated was referred after “complete excision” of an unclassified sarcoma in the dorsal aspect of the forearm. The subcutaneously located tumor had been removed through a small incision. A larger ellipse was made to include the previous incision (Fig. 6.1). The skin incision was deepened only to a depth of 2–3 mm and then flaps were developed medially and laterally for a distance of about 4–5 cm. The deep fascia was then incised and dissection was carried out beneath the deep fascia (Fig. 6.2). This plane was free (at least at the margins of the dissection) and apparently not violated by the previous operation, but as we proceeded to dissect in the area of the previous operation, there was some question of changes in the plane adjacent to the surface of the extensor carpi ulnaris, so this muscle was divided proximally and distally. An artificial plane was then created through the middle of the thickness of the extensor digiti minimi and extensor digitorum, so that the superficial half of these muscles was removed with the specimen. The tissue appeared normal in this plane and it was thus possible to preserve the extensor function of all of the fingers (Fig. 6.3). Extension at the wrist was possible (with a slight radial deviation because the extensor carpi ulnaris had been removed) through the action of the extensor carpi radialis, longus, and brevis. This patient was found to have a microscopic focus in the center of the removed tissue. The surgical margins were clear, however. Adjuvant radiation was given postoperatively, along with adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient was well on follow-up beyond 5 years.