Transfer of polyfoliate perforator flap of fibular hallux in reconstruction of multiple digit-tip defects / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the reconstruction of multiple digit-tip defects with transfer of polyfoliate perforator flaps of the fibular hallux.Methods:From January 2019 to June 2022, 15 patients had undergone reconstruction surgery for multiple digit-tip defects using polyfoliate perforator flaps of ipsilateral fibular hallux, with the first dorsal metatarsal artery as the pedicle, in the Department of Upper Limb Repair and Reconstruction Surgery, Guizhou Hospital of Beijing Jishuitan Hospital. The patients were 10 males and 5 females and aged 20 to 45 years old. Eight patients had the defects of thumbs and index fingers, 4 of thumbs and middle fingers, 2 of thumb, index and middle fingers and 1 of thumb, index and ring fingers. All the 15 digit injuries had nail bed defects to which reconstructive surgery were required. For the flaps of dorsal artery, flaps were 1.8 cm×2.0 cm-2.0 cm×3.1 cm in size and for those of plantar artery, the flaps sized 1.5 cm×2.0 cm-2.5 cm×3.0 cm. Donor site defects in the hallux were reconstructed with free superficial circumflex iliac perforator flaps. Postoperative follow-up lasted until 30th June 2023 and included visits to the outpatient clinic, WeChat and telephone reviews to assess the appearance, function and sensation recovery of the digits.Results:All the 15 flaps survived. During the 6 to 24 months (16 months in average) of postoperative follow-up, the appearance and texture of all flaps were found close to the healthy digits, with good nail growth and without deformity. TPD were found between 8.0 mm and 12.0 mm. The donor sites on the great toes that reconstructed with superficial circumflex iliac artery flaps were all survived well, and the incisions were satisfactorily healed without the functions of walking, running or jumping being significantly affected.Conclusion:The use of polyfoliate perforator flaps of fibular hallux for reconstruction of multiple digit-tip defects is an ideal surgical method due to the consistency of vascular anatomy, ease with flap harvest, similarity in the normal digital skin texture, and the capability to include a nail bed with the flap. A single donor from the hallux can simultaneously reconstruct two defects of digit-tip, making it an excellent treatment in the reconstruction of small-to medium-sized composite tissue defects in multiple digits.