Closure of Big Toe Defects after Wrap-Around Flap Transfer Using the Arterialized Venous Flap

Abstract

Sixteen arterialized venous flaps, free flaps that have arterial blood only flowing through the vein of the flap, were applied to reconstruct skin defects of the big toe resulting from wrap-around flap transfers. There were seven complete successes, six partial successes, and three complete failures. The clinical course of the cases indicated that the donor site itself and flap tension due to postoperative edema might play key roles in flap survival. The success rates of the flap from the leg and foot donor sites (including partial survival cases) were 75 percent and 87.5 percent, respectively. Flaps from the leg donor site appeared to develop more extensive postoperative congestion and edema than those from the foot donor site, which had a negative effect on flap survival. Covering the big toe with this flap causes no significant morbidity. The technique may have potential indications for closing a big-toe defect after a wrap-around flap transfer.