Observation and clinical significance of skin in the first web space / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To scientifically measure and morphologically evaluate the anatomical shape of the skin in the first web space based on cadavers, and to guide the design of flap in this area.Methods:Sixteen human cadavers fixed with 10% formaldehyde without injury or deformity on the hand were selected in the Department of Hand Surgery, the Third Hospital of Suqian. According to the characteristics of the first web area, marker points were selected for measurement and morphological observation. Morphological characteristics of the first web with thumb radial abduction(r) or palmar abduction(p) were measured and compared. The t-test was used for statistical analysis. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. According to the results of measurement, standardised shapes and parameters of the skin were obtained for flap repair of defect of the first web. Results:When the thumb was in palmar abduction, the maximum distance [a(p)] of the first web of female(F) and male(M) was 5.78/8.42 cm(F/M), and the skin [S(p)] was 17.09/23.63 cm 2(F/M), both were significantly greater than the distance [a(r)] at 4.86/6.28 cm and the area of skin area [S(r)] at 14.39/20.15 cm 2 when thumb was in the radial abduction position( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the length of [b(r)] and [b(p)] alone the long axis of flap between palmar and radial abductions(7.54/9.38 cm and 7.34/9.74 cm, respectively) of the thumb( P>0.05). It was found that the area of first web was not shaped as a symmetrical spindle, but an irregular quadrilateral inclined to the index finger. Conclusion:Design and measurement of a flap for the first web space should take the maximum palmar abduction of a thumb as a reference. The asymmetric quadrilateral flap design is more in line with the anatomical and characteristics in the region.