[Perforator flap in the middle segment of posterolateral forearm for dorsal defects at the lower forearm].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the feasibility of perforator flaps in the middle segment of posterolateral forearm for dorsal defects at the lower forearm. METHODS: 30 specimens of adult upper limbs, perfused with red latex, were dissected. The course, origin, distribution and branches of major perforator artery in the middle segment of posterolateral forearm were observed and measured. 8 cases with dorsal defects at the lower forearm were treated with the perforator flaps. RESULTS: All the 8 flaps survived completely with primary healing. The patients were followed up for 2-28 months with good flap texture, color and appearance. CONCLUSIONS: The perforator flap in the middle segment of posterolateral forearm has constant and rich blood supply which is originated from the main artery. It is suitable for defects at the dorsal side of lower forearm.

[Emergency reconstruction of the complex dorsal digital defect using the composite flap with extensor tendon graft from the second toe].

OBJECTIVE: To report emergency reconstruction of the complex dorsal digital defect using the composite flap with extensor tendon graft from the second toe. METHODS: From February 2001 to March 2010, 6 fingers in 6 patients with complex dorsal digital defects were repaired using the composite flap. The defect of the extensor tendon was also repaired with the extensor tendon graft harvested from the second toe. RESULTS: All the flaps survived completely with primary healing. The patients were followed up for 5 to 10 years. The flaps had a good match in skin color and texture. Both the esthetic and functional results were satisfactory either in recipient or in donor sites. CONCLUSIONS: The emergency reconstruction of the complex dorsal digital defect using the composite flap with extensor tendon graft is an effective way to repair the skin defect and extensor tendon defect simultaneously with good long-term results.

[Repairing finger's penetrating soft tissue defects with "dumbbell" fascial metacarpal flap pedicled with skin perforator of dorsal metacarpal artery].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of "dumbbell" fascial metacarpal flap pedicled with skin perforator of dorsal metacarpal artery in treating the finger's penetrating soft tissue defect. METHODS: From February 2006 to August 2009, according to the courses, branches and distributions of the dorsal metacarpal artery, a "dumbbell" fascial metacarpal flap was designed and transposed to cover the penetrating soft tissue defects in 9 fingers. RESULTS: All of 9 flaps survived and got primary healing. The shape and function of the fingers were satisfied after 1-18 months period of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The "dumbbell" fascial metacarpal flap pedicled with skin perforator of dorsal metacarpal artery is an ideal donor site for repairing the finger's penetrating soft tissue defect.

[Clinical application of medial neurocutaneous flap with perforator vessel in upper arm].

OBJECTIVE: To report the application of medial neurocutaneous flap with perforator vessel in upper arm. METHODS: Based on the perforator vessel of medial deep main blood vessel in upper arm and blood supply of neurocutaneous flap, as well as their interrelation with vascularity of fascia skin, we designed the medial neurocutaneous flap with perforator vessel in upper arm to repair skin defects in shoulder, arm and elbow joint in 5 cases. RESULTS: All the flaps survived completely with primary healing. The patients were followed up for 6-12 months. The contour of flaps and the function of shoulder and elbow joint were satisfactory. CONCLUSION: The neurocutaneous flap has a reliable blood supply and easily performed. It is very desirable for repairing skin defect in upper extremity.