Aesthetic functional reconstruction of the mutilated hand: Indications and selection of reconstructive techniques

Abstract

Advances in microsurgery together with improvements in reconstructive surgical techniques over recent decades have enlarged the scope of available techniques for mutilated hand reconstruction, shifting the reconstructive paradigm from restoring hand function to providing the best functional and aesthetic results with minimal donor-site morbidity. Successful reconstruction of a mutilated hand should no longer be measured only by the degree of improvement of hand function but also by a more aesthetic hand appearance as well as by improved psychological well-being. In this article, the authors present their concept of aesthetic functional reconstruction of the mutilated hand with a focus on the indications and selection of reconstructive techniques. They emphasize that in order to select the most appropriate technique, providing the best functional and aesthetic outcomes with minimal donor-site morbidity for each individual patient, it is imperative for the reconstructive hand surgeon to possess perfect mastery of all available surgical techniques, thorough understanding of functional and aesthetic requirements and accurate appreciation of multidimensional reconstruction of a given defect of the hand. They have concluded that in precisely indicated cases, successful replantation of an amputated hand or digits remains the best reconstructive procedure designed to obtain a more functional and more normal-appearing hand, whereas, toe-to-hand transplantation, in cases of failed or impossible digit replantation, provides better results than any other digit reconstruction techniques aimed at achieving functioning digits with good appearance. Although skin graft and various distant pedicled flaps and free flaps may be valid options for coverage of some soft tissue defects of the hand, reverse flow forearm flaps, especially those based on the secondary arteries of the forearm, are often the best-suited reconstructive options for like-with-like hand reconstruction. They can provide the best matching of color, texture, soft-tissue volume, donor-recipient tissue interface and fulfill all the aesthetic and functional reconstruction requirements of moderate-sized or even large soft tissue defects of the hand, with acceptable donor site morbidity.