Digital skin defect management: Hand and wrist volar flap solutions.

BACKGROUND: Selecting the optimal flap for managing digit skin defects is challenging, particularly for inexperienced surgeons, given the numerous reconstructive options and insufficient evidence supporting one flap type's superiority over another. This retrospective study introduces four efficacious hand flaps to address volar skin defects and transverse and oblique cuts, examines the optimal flap advancement distance, and discusses effective management. METHODS: Patients with digit skin defects who underwent flap surgery between 2009 and 2022 were included. Fifty-four patients treated with oblique triangular, volar VY advancement (unilateral and bilateral pedicled volar VY advancement flaps for fingers and thumbs, respectively), reverse homodigital island, and radial artery superficial palmar branch flaps were included. We evaluated the flap advancement distance, flap length, range of motion, complications, and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire results. RESULTS: The median flap advancement distances for triangular oblique (19 patients), unilateral (11 patients), and bilateral pedicled (5 patients) volar VY advancement flaps were 1.3, 1.8, and 2.0 cm, respectively. The flap lengths for the reverse digital island (8 patients) and radial artery superficial palmar branch (11 patients) flaps were 2.4 and 5.0 cm, respectively. Five, three, and one cases of proximal interphalangeal flexion contractures of ≥ -20° were observed in the VY advancement, reverse digital island, and radial artery superficial palmar branch flaps, respectively. One unilateral VY advancement flap case caused severe numbness and neuroma. All complication cases featured >15 and > 20 mm defect lengths on the fingers and thumb, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: To minimize sensory disruption and contractures, we recommend oblique triangular and unilateral pedicle volar VY advancement flaps for finger skin defects up to 12 mm and defects sized 12-15 mm, respectively. Advancement flaps are unsuitable for >15 and > 20-25 mm defects on the fingers and thumb, respectively.

Comparison between free wrist crease flap pedicled with superficial palmar branch of radial artery and traditional free toe flap in reconstruction of hand soft tissue defects: A study on clinical efficacy / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To compare the difference in clinical efficacy between a free wrist crease flap pedicled with superficial palmar branch of the radial artery flap (SPBRAF) and a traditional free toe flap (TFTF) in reconstruction of hand soft tissue defects, and to provide reference for the treatment of small-to medium-sized hand soft tissue defects.Methods:Data of 37 patients who received hand surgery in Department of Hand Surgery, No.971 Hospital of the PLA Navy from December 2016 to December 2019 for small-to medium-sized hand soft tissue defects were retrospectively studied. Among the 37 patients, there were 32 males and 5 females, aged between 18 and 65 years old, with 41.5 years old in average. According to the reconstructive surgical procedure, patients were divided into SPBRAF group (22 cases) and TFTF group (15 cases). Regular follow-ups were conducted after surgery. The difference in curative effect at the last follow-up between the 2 groups was evaluated by the comparison of data acquired in follow-up. SPSS 25.0 was used to analyse the data statistically. The evaluation indicators included flap survival, long-term recovery of flap, recovery effect at donor site, total active movement(TAM) of the affected digit, time of hospital stay and the time return to work. P<0.05 was considered a statistically significant. Results:All free flaps survived. All patients were entered 6-18 (mean, 10) months of postoperative follow-up to comprehensively evaluate the therapeutic effect. According to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Function of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, in the SPBRAF group, 20 flaps were found in excellent, and 2 in good; in the TFTF group, 14 flaps were found in excellent, 1 in good. There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups( P>0.05). The colour, texture and thickness of flaps between the 2 groups were either in excellent or good. There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups( P>0.05). TPD in the TFTF group (5-6 mm) was better than that in SPBRAF group (6-7 mm) with statistical difference between the 2 groups ( P<0.05). Texture at donor sites between the 2 groups was either in excellent or good ( P>0.05). In terms of appearance, sensation and recovery time of donor site, it was found that the SPBRAF group(mean, 6 weeks) was significantly better than those in the TFTF group(mean, 8 weeks) and there was statistical difference between the 2 groups ( P<0.05). In terms of recovery of TAM in single-digit, excellent or good were shown in both groups and there was no statistical difference between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). In terms of hospitalisation and time for return to work, the SPBRAF group(mean, 8 days and 17 weeks) was significantly better than that of TFTF group(mean, 12 days and 24 weeks), and there was statistical difference between the 2 groups ( P<0.05). Conclusion:SPBRAF has an ideal effect on reconstruction of small-to medium-sized hand soft tissue defects in hand. Although the flap is still inferior in sensation and appearance compared with the TFTF, the advantages in terms of donor site recovery, patient satisfaction of the donor site and reduced time of hospitalisation and return to original work are more obvious. SPBRAF provides a good complement to surgical procedures reconstructing a digit defect.

Facilitated harvesting of a radial artery superficial palmar branch flap for reconstruction of moderate finger skin defects.

Radial artery superficial palmar branch harvesting is technically challenging, especially for inexperienced hand surgeons. The short pedicle and a damaged recipient digital artery require proximal digital artery dissection and relatively long pedicles. Herein, we describe a facilitated flap elevation technique and its application in various cases. From 2013 to 2021, 10 patients with finger injuries received radial artery superficial palmar flaps. We assessed flap survival, sizes, complications, two-point discrimination, and the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test results. The main shortcoming of a radial artery superficial palmar flap is its short pedicle. Therefore, we developed a long skin flap design in the long axis direction, and the accompanying vein was dissected proximally to the radial artery to obtain a long pedicle. All flaps survived. The median flap dimension was 5.0 × 2.2 cm (maximum size: 6.0 × 2.0 + 5.0 × 2.0 cm [for a bilobed flap]). While nerve reconstruction was performed in one patient, all patients had preserved sensation. A sufficiently long pedicle can be obtained by dissecting the accompanying vein proximally to the radial artery. Perforators found in the skin around the scaphoid tubercle in all cases suggest value in including this region in flap design. To obtain a longer pedicle, the flap was developed with the long-skin design in the long-axis direction. Although the accompanying vein is usually thin and difficult to anastomose with the finger vein, its proximal dissection led to the accompanying vein of the radial artery that facilitated the harvesting of a sufficiently long vein.

Reconstruction of defects of distal-and-middle segments of finger pulps with striated wrist transverse flap carrying superficial palmar branch of radial artery with sensory nerve / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of striated free wrist transverse flap pedicled with superficial palmar branch of radial artery carrying sensory nerve in repairing pulp defect of middle-and-distal segments of fingers.Methods:From February 2019 to March 2021, the data of 20 patients with defects of middle-and-distal finger segment were collected. The defects were repaired with striated free wrist transverse flaps pedicled with superficial palmar branch of radial artery. The defects sized were 2.0 cm×1.5 cm-4.0 cm×1.5 cm, and the flaps sized were 2.5 cm×2.0 cm-4.5 cm×2.0 cm. The flap carried metacarpal cutaneous branch of median nerve for the reconstruction of the sensation of finger pulps. The donor sites were directly sutured. After operation, the patients were evaluated according to the shape, sensation and functional recovery of the repaired fingers through outpatient visits and reviews via WeChat.Results:All 20 flaps survived and the wounds healed well. All patients entered regular follow-up for 6-12(average, 8) months. The colour of the flaps was close to the finger skin, without bloating flaps. The flaps were soft in good shapes and function. TPD were 6-11 mm, at 8 mm in average. The scars at the donor sites were hidden and the wrist function was not affected. According to the Trial Evaluation Standard of Upper Limb Function of Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, 16 patients were classified as excellent and 4 as good.Conclusion:The striated transverse wrist flap with radial artery palmar superficial branch and sensory nerve offers many advantages, such as a good texture, hidden donor site, convenient flap harvesting, good recovery of sensation, etc. More clinical studies and the promotion of the technique are expected.

Reverse Superficial Palmar branch of Radial artery pedicled flap for Palmar and Digital reconstruction: A systematic review of literature with a retrospective case review.

BACKGROUND: Most studies on the superficial palmar branch of radial artery (SUPBRA) flap involve its use as a free flap with only few reports in literature regarding its use as a reverse pedicled flap. This systematic review presents a summary of the available literature on the indications, anatomy, technique, complications and outcomes of the reverse SUPBRA flap and also describes our experience. METHODS: A computer search was performed on the Embase, Medline and Pubmed databases for clinical studies describing the reverse SUPBRA flap in accordance with the standard principles for systematic review and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A retrospective review of cases performed by the senior author was also conducted. RESULTS: Seven studies qualified for the review with 50 flaps in 50 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. The senior author has performed nine reverse SUPBRA flaps from 2006 to 2015. The flap was found to be most useful for defects of the thumb, index, palm and first webspace. Variations in vascular anatomy may necessitate a change of operative strategy. Venous congestion was common but transient in the majority. Complications were rare and included minor tip necrosis, scar contracture, donor site sensitivity and numbness, thumb adduction contracture and cold intolerance. CONCLUSIONS: The reverse SUPBRA flap is a versatile flap for reconstructing defects of the thumb, index, palm and first webspace. It is quick to raise, has a low donor site morbidity and complication rate and achieves very reasonable functional and aesthetic outcomes.

A systematic review of outcomes following hand reconstruction using flaps from the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery (SUPBRA) system.

BACKGROUND: Flaps based on the superficial branch of the radial artery (SUPBRA) are indicated when homo- or heterodigital flaps are inappropriate, but glabrous or like-for-like reconstruction is required. AIM: To systematically review the outcomes of hand reconstruction using SUPBRA flaps. METHODS: PubMed was searched for English-language articles studying SUPBRA flaps in November 2019. Data collected included flap vascular supply, dimensions, complications, donor site closure, and two-point discrimination. RESULTS: Twenty-six papers were eligible (410 flaps). Flaps were classified as glabrous, nonglabrous or combined. Nonglabrous flaps were either free- (52%) or reverse-flow pedicled (1.7%) wrist flaps. Glabrous flaps were either free palmar (36.3%), reverse-flow pedicled palmar (2%), antegrade-flow pedicled palmar (0.2%) or perforator-based island palmar flaps (3.7%). Combined glabrous/nonglabrous flaps formed 4.1% of flaps. Maximal flap dimensions allowing direct closure were: 3.1 × 6 cm for wrist flaps and <3 × 10 cm for glabrous palmar flaps. Combined flaps can be 10 × 16 cm. Overall, complete and partial flap failure rates were 3.17% and 0.98%, respectively. Most complete failures were due to venous thrombosis. All 220 wrist donor sites were closed directly. Two out of 173 palmar donor sites (≥3.1) could not be primarily closed. Wound complications were rare, but 53.4% of free palmar flaps required debulking. The results of neurorrhaphy were inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS: Flaps based on the SUPBRA are robust, provide like-for-like reconstruction of glabrous skin defects in one-stage, offer versatility due to diverse skin paddle orientation patterns and are in the same operative field as the defect.

Chimeric bone flap pedicled with superficial palmar branch of radial artery in reconstruction of fingers with composite tissue defect / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of free chimeric bone flap pedicled with superficial palmar branch of radial artery in reconstruction of partial finger with composite tissue defect.Methods:From July, 2018 to January, 2020, 9 cases of compound tissue defect of fingers were reconstructed by free transfer of chimeric bone flap pedicled with superficial palmar branch of radial artery. The wrist transverse striated flap and distal radius bone flap pedicled with superficial palmar branch of radial artery were harvested in operations. The size of flap were 2.0 cm × 4.0 cm -3.0 cm × 6.5 cm, and the length of bone flaps were 1.5-2.5 cm. All patients entered monthly follow-up by clinic visit in 6 months after the surgery, and thereafter by WeChat interviews.Results:All of the 9 chimeric bone flaps survived well. The average healing time of bone flap was 1.7 months, and the average length of reconstructed finger was 2.4(1.8-3.0) cm; The appearance of the affected fingers restored well, the scars of the donor sites were mild, and average of the TPD of the flaps was 6.6(5.3-8.6) mm at 6 months after the surgery. The function of the affected finger was evaluated according to the Trial Standard of the Upper Limb Function Evaluation proposed by the Hand Surgery Society of the Chinese Medical Association: excellent in 7 cases, good in 1 case and medium in 1 case.Conclusion:Free chimeric bone flap pedicled with superficial palmar branch of radial artery can be used in reconstruction of the soft tissue and bone defects of fingers at the same time. It restores the functional length of fingers, improves the function and appearance of fingers, with less damage to the donor site. It is a simple method for reconstruction of finger defects.

Anatomical variations of the innervated radial artery superficial palmar branch flap: A series of 28 clinical cases.

BACKGROUND: The innervated radial artery superficial palmar branch (iRASP) flap was designed to provide consistent innervation by the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve (PCMN) to a glabrous skin flap. The iRASP flap is used to achieve coverage of diverse volar defects of digits. However, unexpected anatomical variations can affect flap survival and outcomes. METHODS: Cases in which patients received iRASP flaps since April 1, 2014 were retrospectively investigated by reviewing the operation notes and intraoperative photographs. The injury type, flap dimensions, arterial and neural anatomy, secondary procedures, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-eight cases were reviewed, and no flap failures were observed. The observed anatomical variations were the absence of a direct skin perforator, large-diameter radial artery superficial palmar branch (RASP), and the PCMN not being a single branch. Debulking procedures were performed in 16 cases (57.1%) due to flap bulkiness. CONCLUSIONS: In some cases, an excessively large RASP artery was observed, even when there was no direct skin perforator from the RASP or variation in the PCMN. These findings should facilitate application of the iRASP flap, as well as any surgical procedures that involve potential damage to the PCMN in the inter-thenar crease region. Additional clinical cases will provide further clarification regarding potential anatomical variations.

Superficial palmar branch of the radial artery in a fibromuscular tunnel: a case report.

The radial artery usually passes on the radial side of the wrist lateral to the wrist to enter the anatomical snuff box and dorsum of the hand. If the radial artery passes anterior to the wrist, it usually enters the carpal tunnel, and in such cases, it may lead to the compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. During the routine dissection, we found a case of the unusual radial arterial branch that passed anterior to the wrist yet outside the carpal tunnel. The artery passed within a tunnel formed by the fibromuscular fibers of thenar muscles arising from the anterior aspect of the transverse carpal ligament. Knowledge of the course and distribution of the variant superficial palmar branch of radial artery are of importance to the surgeons operating around the wrist, radiologist interpreting angiograms, and orthopedists managing trauma to the wrist.

The experience of the free superficial palmar branch of the radial artery perforator flap application.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to retrospect and summarize clinical efficacy and experience of the free perforator flap base on the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery for tissue defect reconstruction in hand. METHOD: 17 patients who underwent tissue defect in hands reconstruction by the free superficial palmar branch of the radial artery (SPBRA) perforator flaps in our department from July 2014 to October 2018 were reviewed. RESULTS: All the flaps in our series application were survival uneventful except one, which was necrosis because of venous thrombosis postoperative 5 days, and then the abdominal pedicle flap was executed to recover the defect in second stage. The first dorsal metacarpal artery flap and the arterial venous flap were utilized to cover the defect in one right index finger and one right ring finger due to the absence variation of the SPBRA. 2 cases presented tension vesicle of superficial skin and 1 case occurred venous congestion. All donor sites were closed primarily. The follow-up period means 13.5 months (range, 4-50 months). The static 2 point discrimination test mean 7.53 mm (range, 4-11 mm). All flaps acquire protective feeling at the latest follow-up. The self-assessment of patients: 13 cases in good, 4 cases in fair. CONCLUSION: The goal of physiological reconstruction and esthetic effect can be achieved for hand tissue defect by the free SPBRA perforator flap, multiple tissues of the flap can be contained according to the defect. Even though the SPBRA is variation, arterial venous flap could be applied thanks to abundant superficial cutaneous veins.

Using Flow-through flap pedicled with superficial palmar branch of radial artery for bridging finger replan-tation complex defect of soft tissue and vessel / 中华显微外科杂志

To evaluate the surgical technique and clinical effect of applying Flow-through flap pedicled with superficial palmar branch of radial artery for bridging finger replantation complex defect of soft tissue and vessel. Methods From February, 2013 to March, 2018, 9 cases of severed fingers composited defect of soft tissue and vessel were treated with Flow-through flap pedicled with superficial palmar branch of radial artery.The flap was designed from the proximal end of rasceta and the donor sites were sutured directly. The size of flaps was 3.0 cm ×1.5 cm-4.0 cm×2.2 cm. The superficial branch of the radial artery in the flap was used to bridge the finger artery. And the vein of proximal and distal ends in the finger was bridged by the subcutaneous vein. The proper palmar digi-tal nerve defect was bridged by palm skin graft of median nerve. The appearance, feeling and joint function of fingers was followed-up regularly after operation. Results All transfering flaps survived and all cases were followed-up for 7 to 33 months. The donor sites got primary healing with straight scars. The appearance and texture of the flaps were satisfactory. Two-point discrimination ranged from 8 to 11 mm. The pain sensation, warmth sensation and touch sen-sation of the flaps got better. And the appearance and functions of severed fingers recovered well. Conclusion The Flow-through flap pedicled with superficial palmar branch of radial artery is easy to harvest and anastomose, which is masked and a small incision for the donor site. It is an ideal method for bridging severed fingers and repairing of fin-ger wound.

Superficial palmar branch of the radial artery: A study of occurrence and diameter.

The superficial palmar branch (SPB) of the radial artery (RA) is an important blood vessel in plastic surgery procedures of the hand. It is used as the axial artery in a free flap used for finger reconstruction. The occurrence of this arterial branch is variable, as well as its diameter and course. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence and measure the external diameter of the SPB, as well as the external circumference of the RA. All results were analyzed with the intent to determine a possible correlation between RA and SPB size, as well as between SPB occurrence and the cadavers' sex and height. The study was conducted on both upper extremities of 60 cadavers (31 male and 29 female), of 35-55 years of age (average age was 46.5 years). A radial artery sample was taken at the level of the wrist, together with its superficial palmar branch. The samples were preserved in 4% formaldehyde for four weeks. After the fixation, the external circumference of the radial artery and the external diameter of the superficial palmar branch were measured with a Vernier caliper and an operating microscope. Bilateral SPB absence was the most common variant of SPB occurrence in our material. There was no linear correlation between the size of the RA and the SPB, nor was there any relationship between SPB occurrence and the cadavers' age and height. Also, the correlation between the cadavers' height and the size of both blood vessels was not linear. We conclude that the SPB diameter and occurrence are independent of the other factors described in this study.

[Application of free superficial palmar branch of radial artery flap in repairing of soft tissue defect of fingers].

Objective: To evaluate the surgical technique and the effectiveness of the free superficial palmar branch of the radial artery flap to repair soft tissue defect of fingers. Methods: Between June 2014 and June 2017, 10 cases (10 fingers) of soft tissue defects of fingers were repaired with the free superficial palmar branch of the radial artery flaps. There were 8 males and 2 females with an average age of 29.8 years (range, 23-42 years). The causes of injury included the chainsaw cutting injury in 6 cases, the machine crush injury in 2 cases, and the glass scratching in 2 cases. The time from injury to admission was 1-8 hours with an average of 3 hours. The locations were the volar of the middle of index finger in 3 cases, the volar of the distal of index finger in 1 case, the volar of the distal of middle finger in 3 cases, the ulnar side of distal interphalangeal joint of ring finger in 1 case, and the volar of the distal of the little finger in 2 cases. The area of soft tissue defect ranged from 1.8 cm×0.9 cm to 2.8 cm×2.1 cm, and the area of flap ranged from 2.0 cm×1.0 cm to 3.0 cm×2.3 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly. Results: All flaps survived after operation, and the wounds healed by first intention. The incisions of donor site also healed by first intention with a linear scar. All cases were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 9 months). The appearance and texture of the flaps were satisfactory. The pain sensation, warm sensation, and touch sensation of the flap recovered. At last follow-up, the two-point discrimination of the flap was 6-13 mm (mean, 7.5 mm). According to the assessment of the upper limb function issued by tha Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, the results were graded as excellent in 8 cases and good in 2 cases. Conclusion: The free superficial palmar branch of the radial artery flap is easy to harvest and anastomose and has small injury. It is an ideal method in repairing of soft tissue defects of fingers.

The superficial palmar branch of the radial artery: a corrosion cast study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical procedures such as thenar flaps and radial artery (RA) harvesting call for an elaborate anatomical study of the RA's superficial palmar branch (SPB). The aim of this study was to describe the branching pattern of this vessel related to the morphometric characteristics and variations of this artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty 4% formalin solution-injected hands were dissected. For the morphometric study we used another group of 35 human hands of adult persons, injected with methyl methacrylate fluid into the ulnar and radial arteries. As soon as polymerisation was completed, a 40% solution of potassium hydroxide was applied for corrosion. The vascular arterial casts were examined under the stereoscopic microscope and precise drawings of each specimen were made. RESULTS: In the majority of cases (75%) SPB passed superficially, over the abductor pollicis brevis muscle. The mean diameter of the SPB, very variable depending on its length and field of supply, was 1.52 ± 0.49 mm, ranging from 0.8 to 2.7 mm. Developed SPB type, was present in 31.4% of hands, with the diameter of 1.7 mm and larger (mean 1.95 mm), continuing distally to become the radialis indicis artery, with an average calibre of 1.2 mm, and with important branches to the thumb. In most hands (68.6%), the hypoplastic SPB, was present, with a mean diameter of 1.17 mm, and the field of supply within the thenar area. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the SPB dominance and existence of anastomotic vessels in its field of supply are of importance to avoid the risk of possible ischaemic sequelae in the hand associated with harvesting the RA.

The use of innervated radial artery superficial palmar branch perforator free flap for complex digital injuries reconstruction.

Loco-regional flaps have been widely used for the reconstruction of digital injuries without requiring microvascular anastomosis, however, they result in scarring and compromised functional outcomes. This study demonstrates our experience utilizing the innervated radial artery superficial palmar branch (RASPB) perforator free flap for complex digital injury reconstruction. From May 2007 to March 2014, the innervated RASPB perforator free flap was used to reconstruct 79 distal complex hand and digital soft tissue defects of which 14 were used to re-vascularise the distal digit in a flow-through fashion. All free flaps were innervated by the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve. All 79 free flaps survived and all 14 digits re-vascularized successfully. One flow-through free flap developed distal skin necrosis which healed uneventfully without further procedure. The average follow-up was 21.5 months. Measurement of two-point discrimination ranged from 7 to 13 mm. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results. The innervated RASPB perforator free flap is a feasible and effective option for the reconstruction of complex digital defects and the flow-through concept, when utilized in cases with compromised vascularity, provides reliable re-vascularization. Level III, therapeutic study.

Application of free superficial palmar branch of radial artery flap in repairing of soft tissue defect of fingers / 中国修复重建外科杂志

Objective: To evaluate the surgical technique and the effectiveness of the free superficial palmar branch of the radial artery flap to repair soft tissue defect of fingers. Methods: Between June 2014 and June 2017, 10 cases (10 fingers) of soft tissue defects of fingers were repaired with the free superficial palmar branch of the radial artery flaps. There were 8 males and 2 females with an average age of 29.8 years (range, 23-42 years). The causes of injury included the chainsaw cutting injury in 6 cases, the machine crush injury in 2 cases, and the glass scratching in 2 cases. The time from injury to admission was 1-8 hours with an average of 3 hours. The locations were the volar of the middle of index finger in 3 cases, the volar of the distal of index finger in 1 case, the volar of the distal of middle finger in 3 cases, the ulnar side of distal interphalangeal joint of ring finger in 1 case, and the volar of the distal of the little finger in 2 cases. The area of soft tissue defect ranged from 1.8 cm×0.9 cm to 2.8 cm×2.1 cm, and the area of flap ranged from 2.0 cm×1.0 cm to 3.0 cm×2.3 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly. Results: All flaps survived after operation, and the wounds healed by first intention. The incisions of donor site also healed by first intention with a linear scar. All cases were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 9 months). The appearance and texture of the flaps were satisfactory. The pain sensation, warm sensation, and touch sensation of the flap recovered. At last follow-up, the two-point discrimination of the flap was 6-13 mm (mean, 7.5 mm). According to the assessment of the upper limb function issued by tha Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, the results were graded as excellent in 8 cases and good in 2 cases. Conclusion: The free superficial palmar branch of the radial artery flap is easy to harvest and anastomose and has small injury. It is an ideal method in repairing of soft tissue defects of fingers.

One case of replantation of complete severed thumb and skin defect with free superficial palmar branch of radial artery flap / 中华整形外科杂志

In July 2016, we used free superficial palmar branch of radial artery flap to repair one case of complete dissection of the thumb with skin defect, and achieved good result .

Reconstruction of digital composite defects via a free chimeric bone flap based on the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To explore the clinical effect of free chimeric bone flap based on the superficial pal-mar branch of radial artery to repair finger composite tissue defects. Methods From July, 2013 to January, 2016, 9 cases of finger composite tissue defect were repaired by free chimeric bone flap from the wrist crease area. The flap and bone flap were taken with the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery during the operation. The area of the flap was 1.5 cm×4.0 cm to 3.5 cm×6.5 cm, and the size of the bone flaps were 0.5 cm×1.0 cm×1.5 cm to 1.0 cm × 2.5 cm × 3.5 cm. Regular followed-up was done after the operation. Results Nine cases of chimeric bone flap survived well, and the average healing time of bone flap was 1.6(1.5-3.0) months. The function and appearance of the patients recovered well. The scars on the donor area was slight. The average two-point discrimination of flap was 6.6 (5.3 to 8.6) mm at 6 months after operation. According to the Evaluation Criteria of Thumb and Finger Reconstructive Function Assessment of the Upper Limb of the Chinese Medical Association, 7 cases were superior, 1 was good, 1 was medium. Conclusion The free chimeric bone flap pedicled with superficial palmar branch of radial artery can si-multaneously repair soft tissue and bone defects. It helps shorten the course of disease and speed up the recovery of finger function.It is a new choice to repair finger tissue defects.

The sensation recovery of superficial palmar branch of the radial artery flap with palmar branch of median nerve and donor site / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To explore the sen sation recovery of superficial palmar branc h of the radial artery flap with palmar branch of median nerve and donor si te. Methods From January, 2014 to June, 2016, 12 cases of finger soft tissue defects were repaired with sup erficial palmar branch of the radial artery flap with palmar branch of median nerve. The 2 g tactile sensation, 5 g pain sen sation, 30 g pressure sensation and static two-point discrimination (S2 -PD) of the flap was tested regularly. The S2 -PD of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve were recorded respectively on the affected side and the unaffected side. The results were applied comparative t-test to perform statistical analysis, to observe the sensory recovery of the flap and donor site. Results The flaps survived.Twelve cases was followed-up for 6-18 mont hs. The pressure sensation of about 83.3％ of patients recovered after 2 months and 100％ of patients recovered after 3 months. The tactile sensation of about 91.7％ of patients recovered after 3 months and 100％ of patients recovered after 4 months. The pain sensation of about 91.7％ of patients recovered after 4 months of and 100％ of patients recovered after 5 months. S2-PD of the flap was the average of 8.3 mm in 6 months after operation. There were no significant differences in the S2-PD between the affected group [(12.08±2.15)mm] and unaffected group [(10.58±2.11)mm](P>0.05). And the sensory recovery of the control area of the palmar branch of the median nerve was S4 in 2 cases, S3+ in 9 cases, and S3 in 1 case. The sensory recovery was good. Conclusion Superficial palmar branch of the radial artery flap with palmar branch of median nerve can be used repair the skin defect of the fingers. The flap has a good sensery recovery, and the sensation of the donor area is gradually restored.

Clinincal research for superficial palmar branch of radial artery flaps with anastomosed accompanying vein to treat soft tissues defec / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinincal curative effects of superficial palmar branch of radial artery (SPBRA) flaps with anastomosed accompanying vein repairing soft tissues defects in fingers.Methods From January,2016 to June,2017,10 cases with soft tissues defects received the operation of superficial palmar branch of radial artery flaps transplantation.In the process of operation,the superficial palmar branch of radial artery (SPBRA) was carefully separated,accompanying vein and superficial vein.The SPBRA was anastomosed with the proper digital artery,while the accompanying vein of superficial palmar branch and superficial vein were anastomosed with the palm vein.The nerve supplied this flap was anastomosed with the proper digital nerve.Mesured the range of motion and two-points discrimination of fingers with following-up.Regular followed-up was performed after operation.Results All patients were followed-up ranged from 6 to 24 months,averaged of 13.8 months.All flaps survived.The shape of flaps was plump and the two-points discriminations ranged from 8 to 12mm.Conclusion Using SPBRA flaps with anastomosed accompanying vein to repair soft tissues defects in fingers,there were minor damage to donor and recipient sites,and the shape and sense of recipient site was perfect.It is a promising treatment choice for patients with soft tissues defects in fingers.