Application of venous flaps with palmaris longus tendon for repair of dorsal digital wound with tendon defect

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of venous flap with palmaris longus tendon in the treatment of dorsal digital wound with tendon defect. Methods From October 2010 to October 2013, 15 cases (15 fingers) of dorsal digital wound with tendon defect were treated with venous flap with palmaris longus tendon. Among them, blood supply was reconstructed by venous arterioles in 13 cases and by venous supply in 2 cases. Results All the flaps survived uneventfully. The donor site was sutured directly in 14 cases with primary healing and covered by skin graft from proximal forearm in 1 case with skin graft survival. Postoperatively all the patients were follow-up for 3 to 18 months with an average of 12 months. The appearance and function of the affected fingers were satisfactory. According to the TAM/TPM standard after tendon repair, the results were excellent in 8 fingers, good in 4 fingers, fair in 2 fingers and poor in 1 finger. Conclusion It is a good method to repair dorsal digital wound with tendon defect using venous flaps with palmaris longus tendon, because one operation can complete the repair of tendon and skin defect at the same time. Key words: Surgical flaps; Finger injuries; Tendon injury; Venous flaps