Reconstruction of thumb soft tissue defects caused by electrical shock with thumb dorsal artery reversed flap

Abstract

Objective To investigate the treatment effects of transferring thumb radial or ulnar dorsal artery reversed flap for repairing thumb soft tissue defects caused by electrical shock.Methods A total of 9 cases with thumb soft tissue defects caused by electrical shock were treated from October 2009 to October 2011.According to the different locations of the defects,radial dorsal artery flap was used in 7 cases while ulnar dorsal artery flap was used in 2 cases.The area of these flaps was from 5.0 cm × 3.0 cm to 2.0 cm × 1.5 cm.Results All 9 flaps survived after the operation.After 3 to 7 months follow-up,the thumbs were shown to have satisfactory appearance and no obvious function limitation.Conclusion This surgical procedure is simple and the flap has a good shape.Therefore,it is an ideal operation for repairing thumb soft tissue defects caused by electrical shock. Key words: Surgical flaps; Thumb; Treatment outcome