OBJECTIVETo study a new method of the vascularized plantaris tendon transferring.

METHODSThe vascularized plantaris tendon was elevated with the pedicle of the fascial perforating vessel or a small segment of the posterior tibial artery, which was transplanted to the wrist to repair the tendon defects of the flexor pollicis longus or the flexor digitorum muscle resulted from electric injury. According to the defects, the plantaris tendon can be used together with the skin, fascia, or both as a composite flap. 7 cases received the operation with complete survival of the flap.

RESULTSPostoperative follow-up showed satisfactory results in the 7 cases. Through physical exercises, the patients obtained increased joint motion and better function of the hand.

CONCLUSIONThe vascularized plantaris tendon has many advantages, including easy to harvest, easy to plerosis the donor site, little affect to a main vessel, able to repair the complex defects. This method has great potential for applications.