Modified digital artery island flap for coverage of defects of the thumb pulp

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical outcomes of digital artery island flap transfer for coverage of soft tissue defects of the thumbs. Methods From December 2007 to December 2013, 15 cases with soft tissue defects of the thumb were treated with ulnar digital artery island flap from the middle finger or radial digital artery island flap from the ring finger. The digital nerve that accompanies the digital artery was also included in the flap. The flap size ranged from 4.5 cm×3.0 cm to 2.0 cm×1.5 cm. Results All the flaps survived completely. The follow-up period ranged from 4 to 10 months. The functional and cosmetic results were satisfactory. Two-point discrimination was 5 to 7 mm, with an average of 6 mm.According to the upper extremity functional evaluation criteria issued by the Hand Surgery Society of the Chinese Medical Association, the results were rated excellent in 14 cases and good in 1 case. Conclusion The modified digital artery island flap transfer is ideal for repairing defects of the thumb and restoring sensation. It is simple, safe and reliable. Key words: Finger injuries; Surgical flaps; Digital arteries