Groin flap for treatment of severe first web contracture in children

Abstract

Oblective To investigate the surgical results of groin flap transfer to treat severe first web contracture in children caused by firework explosion.Methods From 2007 to 2009 nine children with severe first web contracture caused by firewoik explosion were treated with groin flap transfer.All patients were male.Their ages ranged from 7 to 14 years,with an average of 11.4 years.The surgery was carried out in two stages.In the first stage the groin flap was raised and sewed to the dorsum of the first and second metacarpal base with a skin tube pedicle,Six weeks later at the second stage,flap pedicle was divided and the first web widened.The bow-shaped wire to keep the web space open was removed 3 weeks after the second surgery. Results Postoperatively the patients were followed-up for 6 to 30 months.All patients had a first web space as wide as over 90% of the opposite side,being96%on average.Grasp and grip function was good.Conclusion Groin flap transfer is a relatively simple and reliable method to treat severe first web contracture in children. Key words: Surgical flaps; Hand injuries; Contractures