Emergency repair of hand wound with artery defect using anterolateral thigh flap

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical application of flow-through anterolateral thigh perforator flap for repair of hand wound with artery defects. Methods From May 2013 to August 2015, 13 cases of hand wound with artery defects were treated by flow-through anterolateral thigh perforator flap. The flap areas ranged from 8 cm×7 cm to 21 cm×12 cm. Results All 13 flaps and donor sites survived uneventfully. All the patients were follow-up for 6 to 15 months with an average of 10 months. The texture and color of flaps were good. Partial protective sensation of flaps recovered. All the patients were satisfied with hand function. According to upper extremity function evaluation criteria issued by the Hand Surgery Society of the Chinese Medical Association, the results were graded as excellent in 7 cases, good in 4 cases and fair in 2 cases. Conclusion It may be an ideal method to use flow-through anterolateral thigh perforator flap for the treatment of hand wound with artery defects. It can bridge the vessel defects and repair the soft tissue defects in one stage. Key words: Hand injuries; Surgical flaps; Artery defects; Microsurgery