Free transverse carpal flap of superficial palmar branch of radial artery in reconstruction of soft tissue defect of digit: a report of 17 cases / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the surgical procedure and clinical effect of a free transverse carpal flap based on the superficial palmar branch of radial artery in reconstruction of soft tissue defect of digits.Methods:From February 2014 to May 2022, 17 cases of soft tissue defects with tendon or phalanges in digits were treated in the Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, Hainan Zhongde Orthopaedic Hospital. All 17 cases were treated by the free transverse carpal flap based on the superficial palmar branch of radial artery. The flap size was 2.0 cm×2.0 cm-4.5 cm×2.0 cm. The anastomosed artery was digital artery or common digital artery, and the vein was the accompanying vein or superficial subcutaneous vein. All donor sites were directly sutured. Preventive measures of anti-infection, anticoagulation, anti-vasospasm and symptomatic treatment were given after surgery. After discharge of patients, scheduled follow-ups were conducted through outpatient clinic, telephone or WeChat interviews to observe the clinical effects. According to the Evaluation Standard of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, hand functional recovery was good in 14 cases and good in 1 case.Results:All 17 flaps had survived with 16 completed the postoperative follow-up. Follow-ups ranged from 6 to 18 months, with a mean of 14 months. At the last follow-up, the flaps were good in shape, soft texture, in normal flexion and extension and with good protective sensation. Two-point discrimination (TPD) was 8-12 mm, with an average of 8 mm. There was no other adverse effect in the donor sites except a linear scar.Conclusion:Application of transverse carpal flap based on the superficial palmar branch of radial artery from same limb to restore the digit function is feasible. It is an ideal surgical procedure of flap transfer.