Objective To evaluate the outcome of the procedure of using the free flap vascularized by the dorsal artery of big toe to treat finger skin defect.Methods From August 2010 to April 2013,21 cases of finger shin defect were treated with the free flap vascularized by the dorsal artery of big toe in which emergency surgeries were conducted in 9 cases and sub emergency surgeries were conducted in 12 cases.The age of the 21 patients was 21 to 48 years old and 15 of them were males and 6 were females.Thumb was involved in 6 patients and index finger was involved in 15 patients.The skin defect occurred at dorsal in 7 patients and palm in 14 patients.The area of the flaps ranged from 2.2 cm × 1.6 cm to 4.0 cm × 3.2 cm.Observed the restoration of the affected fingers' appearance and function,investigated the clinical results and concluded the indication and advantages and disadvantages of this procedure by following up.Results All of the 21 flaps survived at the last office visit.The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 18 months.The shapes and the fingerprints of the flaps were satisfied.The color and texture of the flaps were similar to those of the finger skin.The 2 points discriminations of the flaps was 6-8 mm.No function deficits were found in the donor feet.Conclusion This free flap is satisfied in the shape,easy to harvested and the blood supply was constant in its location,and recommend it in treating the small of middle area skin defect in the finger.

Objective Discuss the clinical efficacy by using two kinds of mini perforator free flap for digital injuries reconstruction. Methods From August, 2014 to February, 2017, 45 patients were managed randomly with either radial artery superficial palmar branch(RASPB)perforator free flap or digital artery(DA)perforator free flap for digital skin defects reconstruction, and they were therefore divided into two groups according to the flap type. There were 24 patients in RASPB group, with an average wound dimensions ranged from 1.8 cm×1.5 cm to 4.0 cm×2.5 cm, and an average harvested flap size ranged from 2.0 cm×1.7 cm to 4.2 cm×2.6 cm. Another 21 patients were in DA group, with an average wound dimensions ranged from 2.0 cm×1.5 cm to 3.8 cm×3.0 cm, and an average harvested flap size ranged from 2.2 cm×1.6 cm to 3.9 cm×3.2 cm. The survival rate, sensory function, donor site complications, hand function recovery and aesthetic outcomes of two groups were compared by the SPSS22.0 statistical software after surgery. Results The mean follow up period was 15 months. All flaps were primary survived without vascular crisis. The flaps were soft in texture,trimness in appearance and none of them overtop the normal skin for more than 0.5 cm. Both groups had a favorable sensory recovery.All cases recovery to S3+or better.In Group RASPB,the mean two point discrimination(2 PD)was 7.85±1.15 mm(ranged from 7.0 mm to 9.0 mm). And it was 6.02±0.94 mm(ranged from 6.0 mm to 8.0 mm)in DA group. The difference between two groups was statistically significant(P <0.05). Then we synthetically analyzed flap texture and sensory function,and calculated the qualified ratio of each group.There was no significant difference between two groups(P > 0.05). The degree of scar contracture demonstrated donor site compli cations in RASPB group was lesser than that in DA group(P<0.05).The range of motion of interphalangeal joint was used to reflect the hand function. And we calculated the ratio of repaired and contralateral sites. The difference of the mean ratio between two groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05). Conclusion On account of the characteristics of invariant anatomy position, sufficient blood supply, favorable aesthetic outcome and minimal donor site mobility, both RASPB perforator flap and DA perforator flap were optimal for digital skin defects reconstruction.Besides,incorporated with nerve and tendon,the RASPB perforator flap can also be used for complex tissue transplantation,and the surgery field was only on the arm.While the DA perforator free flap had an advantage of better sensory recovery and appearance.

Objective:To investigate the curative effect of transfer of free anteriolateral thigh flap (ALTF) with partial iliotibial tract on reconstruction of composite tissue defects in dorsal wrist/hand.Methods:Ten patients who were admitted in the Department of Hand Surgery of Yongkang Orthopaedic Hospital from March 2018 to August 2022 were entered in the study due to extensive composite tissue defects in dorsal wrists and hands. The patients were 24-48 (37 in average) years old. All patients had tendon defects in 3 or more digits with 35 digits in total. The length of the tendon defects were 5.0-11.0 cm in various digits. The soft tissue defects ranged from 6.0 cm×8.0 cm to 11.0 cm×21.0 cm in size. Six patients had defects accompanied with metacarpal and phalangeal bone fracture and joint capsule. In emergency surgery, all patients received thorough debridement and VSD coverage after internal fixation for combined fractures. At 3-5 days after the primary surgery, free ALTF transfer with partial iliotibial tract was employed to reconstruct the defects on dorsal wrists and hands and the digit extension function. The size of flap was 6.0 cm×9.0 cm-9.0 cm×17.0 cm, and the rest of defect wound was covered by skin graft. All the donor sites were sutured directly, except 1 that received abdominal skin graft. Patients had the follow-ups in outpatient clinics, or via telephone or Wechat, to observe the sensation and appearance of the flap, and the healing of the donor site. The recovery of the extension function of the hand was evaluated according to the totle active motion (TAM) system.Results:All flaps survived except one that had vascular compromise after the surgery and it survived after two explorations and a vascular transfer. Postoperative follow-ups lasted for 6 to 24 months, with 13 months in average. At the last follow-up, a all the flaps were found soft in texture and slightly swollen in appearance. There was no obvious pigmentation or rupture of skin and extensor tendon. Sensory recovery achieved to S 2 in 7 patients and S 3 in 3 patients. The hand function was evaluated according to TAM system and rated as excellent for 3 digits, good for 18 digits, fair for 9 digits and poor for 5 digits. There were linear scars in the donor sites. Conclusion:Free ALTF transfer with partial iliotibial tract in the reconstruction of composite tissue defect of dorsal wrists and hands can not only reconstruct the wound surface, but also the extension of digits, which cuts short the course of treatment.