Observation of the curative effect of two kinds of mini perforator free flap for digital injuries reconstruction / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective Discuss the clinical efficacy by using two kinds of mini perforator free flap for digital injuries reconstruction. Methods From August, 2014 to February, 2017, 45 patients were managed randomly with either radial artery superficial palmar branch(RASPB)perforator free flap or digital artery(DA)perforator free flap for digital skin defects reconstruction, and they were therefore divided into two groups according to the flap type. There were 24 patients in RASPB group, with an average wound dimensions ranged from 1.8 cm×1.5 cm to 4.0 cm×2.5 cm, and an average harvested flap size ranged from 2.0 cm×1.7 cm to 4.2 cm×2.6 cm. Another 21 patients were in DA group, with an average wound dimensions ranged from 2.0 cm×1.5 cm to 3.8 cm×3.0 cm, and an average harvested flap size ranged from 2.2 cm×1.6 cm to 3.9 cm×3.2 cm. The survival rate, sensory function, donor site complications, hand function recovery and aesthetic outcomes of two groups were compared by the SPSS22.0 statistical software after surgery. Results The mean follow up period was 15 months. All flaps were primary survived without vascular crisis. The flaps were soft in texture,trimness in appearance and none of them overtop the normal skin for more than 0.5 cm. Both groups had a favorable sensory recovery.All cases recovery to S3+or better.In Group RASPB,the mean two point discrimination(2 PD)was 7.85±1.15 mm(ranged from 7.0 mm to 9.0 mm). And it was 6.02±0.94 mm(ranged from 6.0 mm to 8.0 mm)in DA group. The difference between two groups was statistically significant(P <0.05). Then we synthetically analyzed flap texture and sensory function,and calculated the qualified ratio of each group.There was no significant difference between two groups(P > 0.05). The degree of scar contracture demonstrated donor site compli cations in RASPB group was lesser than that in DA group(P<0.05).The range of motion of interphalangeal joint was used to reflect the hand function. And we calculated the ratio of repaired and contralateral sites. The difference of the mean ratio between two groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05). Conclusion On account of the characteristics of invariant anatomy position, sufficient blood supply, favorable aesthetic outcome and minimal donor site mobility, both RASPB perforator flap and DA perforator flap were optimal for digital skin defects reconstruction.Besides,incorporated with nerve and tendon,the RASPB perforator flap can also be used for complex tissue transplantation,and the surgery field was only on the arm.While the DA perforator free flap had an advantage of better sensory recovery and appearance.