Application of island flap pedicled with digital artery dorsal cutaneous branch for dorsal skin defect of the same finger

Abstract

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of transferring island flap pedicled with digital artery dorsal cutaneous branch for dorsal skin defect at the same finger.Methods From January 2008 to February 2010,12 cases of skin defect at the dorsum of the finger were treated with an island flap from the same finger pedicled with digital artery dorsal cutaneous branch.Among them 7 cases were treated with antegrade advancement flap,while 5 cases were treated with reverse island flap.Results All flaps survived completely.Both the donor and recipient sites achieved primary wound healing.Ten cases were follow-up for 6 to 24 months after the operation.The flaps had good texture and color match.Two-point discrimination of the advancement flaps was 8 to 10 mm,while 2-point discrim nation of the reverse flaps was 10 to 12 mm.According to the criteria for functional assessment by total action motion (TAM),8 cases were regarded as having excellent results,1 case good result and 1 case fair result.Conclusion Island flap pedicled with digital artery dorsal cutaneous branch is an ideal procedure for treating dorsal skin defect at the same finger. Key words: Surgical flaps; Finger injuries; Surgical procedures,operative; Dorsal finger