[Repair of skin defects at fingers by digital dorsal flaps based on vascular network].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of digital dorsal flap based on vascular network for skin defects at fingers. METHODS: From August 2005 to August 2010, 49 cases with 61 skin defects at fingers were treated with the digital dorsal flaps, including 19 at the index fingers, 19 at the middle fingers, 16 at the ring fingers and 3 at the little fingers. The defects were 42 at the distal end, 12 at the middle segment and 7 at the proximal segment. The flaps size ranged from 27 mm x 20 mm to 10 mm x 8 mm. RESULTS: 61 flaps in 49 cases survived completely. 52 fingers were followed up for 6-22 months. The aesthetic and functional results were both satisfactory. The flaps sensation was graded as S3, with a discrimination distance of 6-9 mm (median, 7.6 mm). No complication happened in donor sites. CONCLUSIONS: The digital dorsal flap based on vascular network has reliable blood supply with less morbidity to the main artery. It is safe and easily performed with good effect for skin defect at finger.

[Repair of the soft tissue defects at legs with free tissue flap anastomosed with descendant branch of lateral femoral circumflex artery].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of free tissue flap anastomosed with reverse descendant branch of lateral femoral circumflex artery for severe soft tissue defect at leg. METHODS: The severe soft tissue defect at leg, without any vessels for anastomosis of free tissue flap, was reconstructed with free tissue flap, which was anastomosed with proximal end of descendant branch of lateral femoral circumflex artery and great saphenous vein. From Oct. 2004 to Dec. 2009, 36 cases were treated with 15 cases of latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps, 12 cases of anterolateral femoral flaps, and 9 cases of thoracoumbilicus flaps. RESULTS: All the 36 free flaps survived completely. The patients were followed up for 6 months to 2.5 years with good cosmetic results. CONCLUSIONS: It is effective and practical to repair the severe soft tissue defects at legs with the reverse descendant branch of lateral femoral circumflex artery to carry the free flaps.

[The reverse flap based on two dorsal metacarpal artery for reconstruction of degloved fingertip avulsion].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the application of reverse flap based on two dorsal metacarpal artery for reconstruction of degloved fingertip avulsion. METHODS: From Jan. 2005 to Mar. 2008, 28 cases with degloved fingertip avulsion were treated with reverse flaps based on two dorsal metacarpal artery. The defects were located distal to the distant interphalangeal joints and were 0.8-2.2 cm in length. 10 defects was in the index fingers, 13 in the middle fingers and 5 in the ring fingers. 24 fingers were treated in an emergency surgery. 4 fingers were treated due to skin necrosis. RESULTS: Epidermal necrosis happened at the distal end of flaps in 3 cases. All the other flaps survived completely. 25 cases were followed up for 4-27 months with satisfactory cosmetic and functional results. The 2-points discrimination distance was 6.0-9.0 mm (average, 7.6 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The reverse flap based on two dorsal metacarpal artery is easily performed and reliable for degloved fingertip avulsion with satisfactory results.

[Repair of defects at the end of fingers with island flaps pedicled with digital artery].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of island flaps pedicled with digital artery for the defects at the end of fingers. METHODS: 63 cases with 72 soft tissue defects at the end of fingers were treated with the island flaps. The flap size ranged from 8 mm x 11 mm to 21 mm x 27 mm. RESULTS: All the flaps survived completely. The follow-up period ranged from 4 to 19 months. The functional and cosmetic results were satisfactory. The two-point discrimination was 7 to approximately 9 mm. The TAM functional examination showed excellent in 59 fingers, good in 11 fingers and common in 2 fingers. CONCLUSIONS: The technique with island flap is simple and reliable for the defects at the end of fingers.