Application of anterior lateral malleolar venous network graft in repair of defect of superficial palmar arch: Report of 8 cases / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:The surgical method and clinical efficacy was studied on the anterior lateral malleolar venous network grafting in repair of the defects of superficial palmar arch.Methods:From February 2015 to July 2021, 8 cases (6 males and 2 females; aged 32-44 years old, mean age at 39 years old) were treated in the Department of Hand Surgery of Yantaishan Hospital. Anterior lateral malleolar venous network was grafted to repair the defects of superficial palmar arch of the patients. The patients had different degrees of tendon damage, and injuries of nerve, deep palmar arch, common palmar digital artery or proper palmar digital artery. The length of the vessel defect was 6.0-10.0 cm. Blood supply insufficiency occurred in 1st-5th digits in 1 case, 2nd-4th fingers in 5 cases, and 2nd-5th fingers in 2 cases. The anterior lateral malleolar venous network was transferred to repair 3 broken ends of vessels in 5 cases, 4 broken ends in 1 case and 5 broken ends in 2 cases. The wound of hand was sutured directly in 2 cases. The emergency surgical repair of the wound of hand by transfer of ALTPF was performed in 2 patients, and elective ALTPF transfer in 3 cases. Forearm dorsi-ulnar flap transfer was performed in 1 case. The follow-up reviews were carried out via the outpatient clinic visit, telephone, WeChat interviews or home visits. The blood supply of the distal digit, skin sensation, TPD, the range of motion of the phalangeal joints were observed.Results:The results showed that all the digits and the grafted flaps survived. The follow-up was carried out for 10-53 months, with an average of 17.9 months. The functions of digit extension and flexion, finger opposition and thumb opposition were restored in 5 cases, and the patients returned back to former jobs. The finger flexion and thumb opposition were limited in 3 cases, and these cases participated in light physical work. The proprioception of the digits were recovered, and the TPD was 5-7 mm. Functional recovery was evaluated according to the Evaluation Standard of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association and rated as excellent in 5 cases and good in 3 cases. The donor sites of the foot showed a linear scar. There was no effect on the function and the shape of the donor site.Conclusion:The anterior lateral malleolar venous network grafting is an ideal method in repair of the defects of superficial palmar arch.