Free tibial second toe flow-through flap for repair of finger wound with artery defect

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical effects of free tibial second toe flow-through flap for repair of finger wound with artery defect. Methods From July 2005 to January 2016, 12 cases of volar soft tissue and artery defects of fingers were covered by free second toe medial flap, and proper digital artery defect was bridged by proper plantar digital artery of tibial second toe to restore the blood supply of distal finger. The donor site was repaired by full-thickness skin graft. Blood flow was detected by Doppler probe 1 month after operation. Results Postoperatively all the flaps survived uneventfully. The appearance and texture of the flap were satisfactory. No dysfunction occurred in donor sites. All the patients were follow-up for 6 to 36 months with an average of 18 months. The fingertips were warm without cold intolerance. Blood flow of bridged arteries was detected by Doppler probe. Two-point discrimination of the flaps was 8 to 12 mm with an average of 10 mm. No ulceration occurred in the skin graft of donor sites. Wearing shoes and walking were not affected. Conclusion The texture of free tibial second toe flow-through flap is good. It is an ideal method to repair volar soft tissue and artery defects of fingers at one-stage. Key words: Surgical flaps; Finger injuries; Flow-through flaps