Flow-through posterior interrosseous artery flaps for repair of digital wounds combined with artery injury / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the methods and clinical effects of flow-through posterior interrosseous artery flaps for reconstructing digital wounds combined with artery injury.Methods From December 2011 to September 2013,11 patients with traumatic digital defect combined with artery injury were repaired with flow-through posterior interrosseous artery flaps.Flap aesthetic satisfaction was assessed using questionnaires; flaps were tested for pain and touch sensation,temperature perception,and two-point discrimination; finger activity was detect using the total active movement (TAM) ratio of the injured and uninjured side.Results All flaps and injured fingers survived.Wounds healed by the first intension.Nine patients were followed up for 12-24 months.Two-point discrimination of the flaps recovered at postoperative 6 months and averaged (9.7 ± 2.1) mm at postoperative 12 months,with S3 +grade in sensation evaluation.TAM ratio of the injured and uninjured side was 0.85 ±0.17.All patients expressed the satisfaction to flap appearance.Conclusions Flow-through posterior interrosseous artery flaps are safe and effective to cover digital wounds and restore blood circulation.The technique improves the clinical application of perforator flaps.