Clinical application of the dual V-Y advancement flap based on proper digital artery perforator with sensory reconstruction for repair of soft tissue defects of fingers

Abstract

Objective To explore the feasibility of the dual V-Y advancement flap based on proper digital artery perforator with sensory reconstruction for repair of soft tissue defects in the middle part of the fingers. Methods From January 2012 to December 2016, 18 patients with soft tissue defects of the dorsal fingers in different segments except for the distal segment were treated by V-Y advancement flap based on proper digital artery dorsal perforator with dorsal branch of proper digital nerve near the proximal and distal wounds. Results The flap and donor site achieved primary healing. All the patients were follow-up from 3 to 22 months with an average of 11 months. The appearance and texture of the flap and finger were good. Three months after the operation, the results of TAM were excellent in 13 cases, good in 4 cases and fair in 1 case. The sensory recovery of flaps was evaluated as S3in 2 cases, S3+in 4 cases, S4 in 12 cases. Conclusion The application of V-Y advancement flap based on proper digital artery dorsal perforator with dorsal branch of proper digital nerve near the proximal and distal wounds to repair the soft tissue defects of the dorsal fingers has the advantages of safety and convenience with high survival rate, good postoperative sensory recovery and satisfactory appearance of the injured fingers. Key words: Finger injuries; Surgical flaps; Proper digital artery perforator; Sensory reconstruction