Application of arterialized venous flap with double vein trunks in replantation of degloved fingers

Abstract

Objective To report the application and results of venous flap with double vein trunks in replantation of degloved fingers.Methods From March 2007 to June 2009, 6 cases of soft tissue defect in the degloved finger were replanted with venous flap with double vein trunks.The interval between injury and operation was 30 minutes to 8 hours.All fingers were replanted by arterialized free venous flap from the ipsilateral forearm with double vein trunks.The flap was 1.8 cm×1.8 cm to 2.2 cm× 5.8 cm in size.The donor site was directly closed.Results Primary wound healing was observed in all 6 cases postoperatively.All the replanted fingers survived completely.In 5 cases the venous flaps survived uneventfully.In 1 case there was partial superficial necrosis of the flap which healed with conservative management.Postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 to 24 months.The flaps and fingers had good circulation, good texture and color match.According to the criteria for functional assessment of amputated finger issued by the Chinese Hand Surgery Society, the results were graded as excellent in4cases, goodin 1 case, andfairin 1 case.Theoverall excellent rate was 82.5%.Conclusion Replantation of degloved finger with fransfer of venous flap with double vein trunks is capable of repairing pulp soft tissue defect and maximizing the restoration of finger appearance and function. Key words: Surgical flaps; Finger injuries; Replantation; Venous flaps