Comparison of clinical outcomes of emergency and sub-emergency transfer of radial artery superficial palmar branch flap to repair soft tissue defect of the fingers

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical outcomes of emergency and sub-emergency transfer of radial artery superficial palmar branch flap for repair of soft tissue defect of the finger. Methods From January 2014 to December 2015, 12 cases with traumatic soft tissue defect of the finger were treated. Emergency debridement and radial artery superficial palmar branch flap transfer was carried out in 6 cases. The other 6 cases were treated with debridement vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) and sub-emergency flap transfer. The operation time and two-point discrimination (2-PD) were recorded and compared. Results All 12 flaps survived. Postoperative follow-up time ranged from 3 to 24 months. The operation time in the emergency flap transfer group was shorter than that in the sub-emergency flap transfer group. The difference was statistically significant (P 0.05). Conclusion For coverage of soft tissue defects of the fingers, both emergency and sub-emergency transfer of the radial artery superficial palmar branch flap have equivalent outcomes. Key words: Finger injuries; Surgical flaps; Superficial branch of radial artery; Skin and soft tissue defects