Repair of two soft tissue defects on the same finger by a pedicled tandem flap with first dorsal metatarsal artery-second toe tibial artery in series / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the technique and clinical effect of repairing 2 soft tissue defects on the same finger with a pedicled tandem flap of the first dorsal metatarsal artery and the second toe tibial artery.Methods:From March, 2018 to May, 2020, 8 patients, which were 5 males and 3 females, with 2 soft tissue defects in the same finger, were repaired with the first dorsal metatarsal artery flap in series with the second toe tibial flap. The causes of injury 4 by crush, 2 by heavy object, and 2 by thermal press. There were 4 defects on index fingers, 2 on middle fingers and 2 on ring fingers. The defects ranged from 2.0 cm×2.5 cm to 2.5 cm×3.0 cm. All defects had exposed bone or tendon at varying degrees and 3 with phalanx fractures. Three patients underwent emergency surgery, the other 5 had sub-emergency surgery which were performed 3 to 5 days after the injury. The size of the flaps was 2.0 cm×2.5 cm to 3.0 cm×3.5 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly in 3 patients and 5 patients received skin grafting. The regular follow-up was performed. The survival of flaps, character, feeling and Total active motion(TAM), recovery of the foot donor area and complications were observed.Results:The operation time ranged from 2.0 to 5.5 hours, with an average of 3.5 hours. No vascular crisis occurred and all flaps survived after the surgery. All patients entered follow-up for 3-20 months, with an average of 8 months. The flaps had a good plump appearance, soft texture, good elasticity, and with a high similarity to the surrounding skin. The TPD of the flaps was 6-15 mm, with an average of 8 mm. The fingers had good flexion and extension functions. The incision in the donor site of the foot healed by first intention. The walking, running and jumping were normal without pain or discomfort.Conclusion:The first dorsal metatarsal artery-second toe tibial artery tandem flap has been used to repair 2 soft tissue defects in same finger. It simplifies the revascularisation of the flap together with exact surgical curative effect.