Reconstruction of the First Web Space Using the Wide-Second Dorsal Metacarpal Artery Perforator Flap

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated the functional and aesthetic outcomes of a wide-second dorsal metacarpal artery perforator flap for reconstruction of the first web space of the hand. This flap sets the proximal edge of the extensor retinaculum as the distal limit.Methods: We measured the preoperative and postoperative angles of the first web space and assessed the quality of the donor site scar in eight patients.Results: The average flap size was 5.5 × 2.8 cm (range, 5.0 × 1.5 cm to 5.0 × 6.0 cm), and all flaps survived completely. The mean postoperative angle was 53°. The mean Vancouver Scar Scale score of the donor site was 4 points, and the patients had near-normal thickness and vascularity values. There was no distortion of the scar, and patients were satisfied with the scar appearance of the donor site.Conclusion: The wide-second dorsal metacarpal artery perforator flap is a useful technique to reconstruct large defects of the first web space. It is easy to raise, thin, and pliable, and has excellent color and tissue matching.