Specially formed radial collateral artery perforator flap in repair of complex defects of digits / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the effects of specially formed radial collateral artery perforator flaps in reconstruction of the complex digit defects.Methods:From April, 2014 to March, 2020, 20 patients with multiple digit injuries combined with bone defects were treated by digit reconstruction with radial collateral artery chimeric and polyfoliate perforator flaps. Of the 20 patients, 7 patients were treated by chimeric perforator flaps, 12 by polyfoliate perforator flaps and 1 by chimeric polyfoliate perforator flap. Altogether 28 perforator flaps and 13 bone flaps were taken. The size of perforator flaps were 9.5 cm×4.0 cm to 4.0 cm×2.0 cm, and bone flap were 1.5 cm×0.6 cm×0.6 cm to 2.5 cm×1.0 cm×0.6 cm. All the donor sites were closed directly. Regular follow-up was performed. Function and clinical effect evaluation of repaired digits were made according to the Standard for Upper Limb Function Assessment of Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association and Sensory Function Assessment Criteria of British Medical Research Council (BMRC).Results:Twenty-seven flaps survived without any event. Venous congestion occurred in 1 flap with partial skin necrosis. Postoperative follow-up lasted from 3 months to 3.5 years (average 17.5 months). The appearance and texture of all flaps were good. All bone flaps properly healed. Sensory recovery achieved S 4 in 8 flaps, S 3 in 16 flaps and S 2 in 4 flaps. Hand function evaluation showed excellent in 12 patients and good in 8 patients. Conclusion:The specially formed radial collateral artery perforator flaps have the features of various designs with reliable blood supply, and are effective in repair of multiple digit injuries combined with soft tissue and bone defects.