Bilateral flaps based on the dorsal branches of the proper digital artery: A reliable reconstruction in one-stage for the multiple defects in one finger

Abstract

PurposeTo repair multiple skin soft tissue defects of one finger is a challenge to hand surgeons. We introduce a method which can be used to repair multiple skin soft tissue defects of one finger with bilateral flaps in parallel pattern flap based on the dorsal branches of the proper digital artery. MethodA patient suffered electric injury in her left index finger with two soft tissue defects, and the areas were 1.6 cm × 1.0 cm and 2.2 cm × 1.2 cm, respectively. And who underwent a homodigital parallel flaps based on the dorsal branches of the proper digital artery to repair in January 2018. The donor sites were covered by full-thickness skin grafting. ResultsThe flaps and the skin grafting survived uneventfully. All incisions achieved primary healing. The follow-up was 19 months, and the shape of the flaps was satisfactory with soft texture and suitable appearance. TAM of the injured finger was 210°, the level was excellent. The score of VAS was 9. ConclusionThe homodigital bilateral flaps in parallel pattern based on the dorsal branches of the proper digital artery are a potential treatment in one-stage for multiple skin soft tissue defects of one finger with reliable blood supply, satisfactory results and simple surgical procedure.