Pedicle composite tissue flap based on superficial palmar branch of the radial artery repair the soft tissue defect of thumb / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the surgical technique of applying the pedicle composite tissue flap based on superficial palmar branch of the radial artery to repair the soft tissue defect of thumb and evaluate the clinical ef-fect. Methods From February,2013 to March, 2016, 5 cases of the soft tissue and tendon defect of thumb were treated with the pedicle composite tissue flap based on superficial palmar branch of the radial artery. The flap was de-signed at wrist not exceeding the wrist rasceta and the donor site was sutured directly. The size of the harvested flaps was between 3.0 cm ×2.2 cm to 4.2 cm ×3.2 cm, and the sensation of thumb or the flap was reconstructed via median nerve cutaneous branch. The Extensor pollicislongus muscle tendon defect was repaired via palm tendon carried by composite tissue flap. Postoperative follow-up was done termly. Results All transfering flaps survived and all cases were followed-up for 4 to 11 months. The donor site got primary healing with a linear scar. The appearance and tex-ture of the flap was satisfactory. The two-point discrimination ranged from 8 to 11 mm. The appearance of thumb re-covered well and the digit joint had a good motion. Conclusion The pedicle composite tissue flap based on superfi-cial palmar branch of the radial artery is easy to harvest and its vascular anatomy is constant, which is masked and a small incision for the donor site. When necessary, palm tendon or median nerve cutaneous branch can be contained in the flap to form a composite transplant. It is an ideal method for repair of thumb soft tissue defect.