Modified reversed island flap of the second dorsal metacarpal artery for the repair of degloving injuries of the index or long finger

Abstract

Objective To investigate the operative procedure and the clinical results of the modified reversed island flap based on the second dorsal metacarpal artery (SDMA) for repairing index or long finger degloving defects.Methods From May 2004 to January 2010, circumferential soft tissue defect in the middle and distal phalanx of the index or long fingers in 17 patients were repaired by the modified reversed island flaps based on SDMA.The dorsal digital nerve in the flap was coapted to the severed proper digital nerve.The area of the flaps ranged from 2.5 cm × 5.6 cm to 5.0 cm × 6.5 cm.The donor sites were closed by skin graft.Results Postoperatively blister and necrosis of the distal flap occurred in 2 cases which was cured by dressing change.All the other flaps survived uneventfully.Primary healing of the flaps and donor sites was achieved.All 17 patients were follow-up for 4 to 27 months with an average of 15.3 months.The flaps were pliable, full but not bulky.Two-point discrimination was 7 to 11 mm (mean 8.6 mm).Hand function as judged by the total active range of motion of the fingers was excellent in 8 fingers, good in 7 fingers and fair in 2 fingers.The satisfactory rate was 88.2%.Conclusion Modified SDMA reversed island flap transfer with dorsal digital nerve coaptation is an ideal procedure to repair index or long finger degloving injuries.The area of the harvested flap is large enough to cover the circumferential soft tissue defect in the middle and distal phalanx.The surgery is safe due to the reliable flap circulation. Key words: Finger injuries; Island flaps; Reconstructive surgical procedures