RESUMO
Objective:To explore the efficacy of digital and 3D printing technologies on design of superficial iliac circumflex artery flap for coverage the donor site of anterolateral thigh flap(ALTF).Methods:Clinical data of 8 patients were studied retrospectively for treatment of soft tissue defects of hand in the Department of Hand Surgery, Wuxi NO.9 People's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, from April 2017 to October 2021. The patients were 6 males and 2 females, aged from 29 to 59 years(mean, 45.8 years). Cause of injury: 3 patients were crushed, 2 by hot pressing, and 3 by machine strangulation. Site of injury included: 5 cases were dorsal hand defects and 3 cases were palm defects. All the wounds were contaminated to varying degrees with soft tissue defects. The areas of soft tissue defect ranged from 11 cm×10 cm to 22 cm×14 cm. Four patients had combined injuries of open fracture of metacarpals and phalanges and 3 with tendon defects. All wounds were repaired by free ALTF transplantation. And the donor sites in the thigh were repaired by superficial iliac circumflex artery flaps. The secondary wounds caused by flap harvesting on abdominal wall were closed directly. The targeted perforator vessels were detected preoperatively by CTA combined with CDU. 3D printed models of the affected hand were obtained before operation for individualised repairs according to the shape and area of the wounds. After the operation, all patients entered scheduled follow-ups at the outpatient clinic and via internet by observing the flap shape and testing the recovery of sensory and movement of adjacent joint.Results:The shapes and sizes of the wounds and the flaps were found basically in accordance with those in the preoperative simulative designs. All flaps in 8 patients survived and the wounds healed completely. All patients entered follow-ups for 8 to 24(average, 17.5) months. The donor thighs presented good appearance and colour, pliability without bloating. The range of motion of the hips and knees was not affected. Only linear scars remained in the abdominal donor sites, with natural colour and appearance.Conclusion:Digital and 3D printing technologies in preoperative design of flaps can help to locate the perforator vessels intraoperatively and guide the individualised design of the flaps with improved operation efficiency and satisfactory appearance of the flaps.