Reconstruction of soft tissue defects in distal segment of dorsal fingers with a perforator(joint branch) flap of proper palmar digital artery combined with dorsal metacarpal artery flap / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the surgical procedure and effect of reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the distal segment of dorsal finger with a perforator(joint branch) flap of proper palmar digital artery combined with a dorsal metacarpal artery flap.Methods:From January 2019 to June 2022, 9 patients with soft tissue defects in distal dorsal finger, mostly with avulsion at the extensor tendon insertion point, were treated in Department of Hand and Foot Microsurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. The defect areas were 1.0 cm×1.0 cm-2.5 cm×2.0 cm. Steel wires were used to reconstruct the extensor tendon insertion point. The defects were reconstructed by a perforator(joint) flap of proximal phalanx artery and a dorsal metacarpal artery flap was used to repair the donor site for proximal flap. Postoperative follow-up and evaluation included flap survival, flap appearance, scars and function of interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints, through outpatient clinical, WeChat and so on.Results:The flap of digital artery perforator (joint branch) and the fasciocutaneous flap of dorsal metacarpal artery all survived. One flap of the digital artery perforator(joint branch) appeared purple and tension blisters after surgery. The stitches of the pedicle of the flap were partially dismantled at 36-48 hours after surgery. The flap was then turned to ruddy in colour 7 days after surgery. The wounds of the distal finger joint and nail bed healed well without redness and infection. The postoperative follow-up lasted for 5 to 12 months, 9 months in average. The appearance, colour and texture of the skin at distal finger were similar to those at the dorsal proximal finger and dorsal palm. Sensation recovered well, all flaps exceeding S 3. The two-point resolution (TPD) was 8-10 mm, with an average of 9.5 mm. According to the Evaluation Standard of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, 5 cases were in excellent and 4 in good. Conclusion:The perforator(joint branch) flap of proper palmar digital artery combined with a dorsal metacarpal artery flap is simple and safe treatment. It has a fast functional recovery with an aesthetic appearance in reconstruction of the soft tissue defect in distal segment of dorsal finger.