RESUMEN
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.
RESUMEN
Objective:To explore the method and effect of free thining anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALTP) in repairing soft tissue defect of scar contracture deformity after hand trauma.Methods:From March, 2015 to August, 2019, 12 patients who suffered scar contracture after hand trauma were repaired with thin ALTP. First, completely resected the scar contracture tissue from the hands and restored the normal bone structure and force line of the hand. The area of hand wound defects were 5.0 cm×6.0 cm-8.0 cm×10.0 cm. The wound was repaired by free ALTP, and the flap was micro-thinned for the first time. The flaps did not carry broad fascia, and the donor sites were directly sutured. The wound healing, the flap appearance, texture, sensation, scarring of the donor area, and functional recovery of the affected hand were observed regularly after surgery. The patients were followed-up by outpatient review and WeChat.Results:All the flaps survived well after the operation. Two cases suffered crisis because hematoma entraps vein cause by bleeding from perforator branch. After surgical exploration, the flaps survived successfully. All 12 flaps were followed-up successfully, including 6 cases reviewed in outpatient clinic, 4 cases followed by WeChat video and 2 cases by telephone consultation. The follow-up time was 3-20 months, with an average of 11 months. The flaps were not bloated, soft, non-pigmented, and beautiful in appearance. Only linear scars remained in the donor sites. The gripp function, palm function, thumb opposition function and finger function of the affected hand were largely restored. According to the TAM method of Upper Limb Function Evaluation of the Chinese Medical Association: 7 cases were excellent, 4 cases were good, and 1 case was fair.Conclusion:The thinning ALTP can be used to repair the scar contracture deformity after hand trauma. It can carry different tissues for 3-dimensional repair. After operation, the flap has a beautiful appearance, the donor site can be closed directly, and the damage of donor site can be reduced. It is an effective method to repair the hand contracture deformity.