Clinical application of first dorsal metacarpal artery radial cutaneous branch and superficial radial nerve flap

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical outcomes of applying first dorsal metacarpal artery radial cutaneous branch and superficial radial nerve flap to repair soft tissue defects of the thumb. Methods Nine cases of soft tissue defects in the thumb were treated from June 2006 to August 2009 with a flap using the first dorsal metacarpal artery radial cutaneous branch as the axial vessel and including the superficial radial nerve.The size of the raised flaps ranged from 4.0 cm× 2.0 cm to 7.0 cm× 3.5 cm. Results All the flaps survived after the surgery.Follow-up time ranged from 11 to 34 months in 6 cases.Three cases were lost to follow-up.The flaps had good texture.Protective sensation was restored from S2 to S3 +.The donor site skin graft healed well with slight pigmentation.There were on painful neuroma in these 6 cases. Conclusion First dorsal metacarpal artery radial cutaneous branch and superficial radial nerve flap has a high survival rate and reliable blood supply.It is easy to operate and can cover large defects.This flap is an ideal flap for repair of soft tissue defects in the thumb. Key words: Surgical flaps; Finger injuries; Microseurgery