Clinical efficacy of digital arteria axial flap augment volume in treatment of Wassel type III-V congenital thumb duplication: A report of 14 cases / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy of digital arteria axial flap augment volume in the treatment of Wassel type III- V congenti tal thumb duplication, and to provide the basis for its clinical treatment. Methods: The thumb augment volume surgery was performed in 14 children with Wassel type III-V congenital thumb dupliation. A narrow and long flap with vascular vessel and soft tissue was designed with microsurgical technique to augment the soft tissue of the reconstructed thumb and reconstruct the perimeter and appearances of the reconstructed thumb. The perimeters and appearences of the reconstructed thumb and healthy thumb were detected before and after surgery. Results: All the flaps were survived after the surgery. The average perimeter of the reconstructed thumb was 89% -104% relative to the healthy contralateral thumb based on the data detected from the tuberositas unguicularis, proximal interphalangeal joint, proximal phalanx midshaft, metacarpophalangeal joint and metacarpal midshaft. The appearance of reconstructed thumb was more similar to that of healthy thumb. Conclusion: The digital arteria axial vascular flaps which are used to augment the volume of reconstructed thumb of Wassel type IH - V congenital thumb duplication can be easily obtained and the reconstructed thumbs have better appearences. The surgery is an effective way to improve the thin and small appearences of reconstructed thumbs.