Perforator flap-plasty and applications to hand surgery

Abstract

In contrast to the classical fasciocutaneous and musculocutaneous flaps, perforator flaps are supplied only by a single perforating branch. The aim of this paper is to present the surgical technique and to discuss the use of perforator flaps in hand surgery. Our previous studies have demonstrated the reliability of a preoperative Doppler for planning perforator flaps in reconstructive surgery of the breast: With 286 preoperatively localized perforating branches, a total of 162 were confirmed in intraoperative dissection. In 37 out of these 46 perforator flaps (80%), a preoperatively localized perforating branch could be used. Based on these results, the individual design of perforator flaps harvested on the forearm for defects on the dorsum of the hand is possible. In a preoperative Doppler exam, a perforating branch, i.e. of the posterior interosseous artery, can be localized. The intraoperative confirmation of the perforating branch allows the successful defect coverage with a distally pedicled flap without taking fascia or septum. In our experience, this possibility of planning an individually designed perforator flap is the major advantage for applications of the perforator flap technique in hand surgery. This is especially true in cases where the harvest of a fasciocutaneous flap is unreliable or impossible due to anatomic variations. On the other hand, the dissection of the pedicle is technically demanding and the individual distribution of the perforating branches requires a high degree of flexibility. However, we do consider this new technique to be a further extension in the armamentarium for soft-tissue coverage of the hand.