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.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the outcomes of free flap from the radial artery superficial palmar branch (RASP) innervated by the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm for repairing the defects of finger pulp. Methods From April, 2013 to February, 2015, 20 fingers in 20 cases were treated with free flap from RASP innervated by the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm. The area of flap was from 1.8 cm×2.0 cm to 2.0 cm×4.0 cm. Postoperative fol-low up was done termly. Results All 20 flaps survived. All cases were followed-up for 7-20 months ( averag, 12 months). The flaps appeared well with good texture. The two-point discrimination was from 7 mm to 12 mm, and grad-ed with S3 and S3+sensation. There was little scar noted at the donor site in the wrist. There was no influence of hand and wrist function. Conclusion The method of using free flap from SASP innervated by the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm to repair the defects of finger pulp has good clinical effect.