Hypothenar Island flap: a safe and excellent choice for little finger defects

Abstract

Objective The aim was to evaluate the functional and cosmetic results of hypothenar island flap for the reconstruction of little finger defects and to assess them by follow-up. Background Reconstruction of soft-tissue defects of little finger of the hand needs a single-stage procedure that can provide well-vascularized coverage at the earliest stage to give the best functional result. Patients and methods This follow-up study that included 19 patients (13 men and six women) was carried out in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Departments of Menoufia University and Helmia Military Hospital from October 2017 to October 2019, with assessment by a follow-up period of 12 months and physiotherapy. All the patients studied had the hypothenar island flap for coverage of the defects. The defects were due to postblunt trauma in three cases, post-burn in three cases, and post-sharp trauma in 13 cases. The largest flap was 20 × 15 mm2. The donor site was directly closed in all cases. Results The overall results were satisfactory regarding the function and appearance without major complications according to patient and doctor satisfaction. Regarding flap course and survival, 14 (73.7%) flaps passed uneventfully, five (26.3%) flaps suffered from venous congestion, five congested flaps survived without total loss and only partial loss and thus we had 19 (100%) survived flaps. Conclusion Hypothenar island flap is a reliable and versatile source for coverage of soft-tissue defects of little finger of the hand.