Repairing dorsal complex tissue defect of finger with flaps based on superficial palmar branch of radial artery with palmaris longus tendon

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical effects in repairing dorsal complex tissue defect of finger with the flap based on superficial palmar branch of radial artery (SPBRA) with palmaris longus tendon. Methods From May, 2011 to October, 2017, dorsal complex tissue defects of 15 fingers and thumbs in 15 patients were treated by the flaps which were based on SPBRA with palmaris longus tendon. There were 10 males and 5 females, in an average of 35.8 (19-51) years. All the defects (3 thumbs, 5 index, 2 middle and 5 ring fingers) were dorsal complex tissue defects and all had extensor tendon defects. The areas of soft tissue defect measured 2.0 cm×1.5 cm to 4.0 cm×2.0 cm. The lengths of tendon defect measured 2.0-4.0 cm. All patients received emergency surgery. The time before the surgery was 1.5-3.0 hours. The surgery time was 3.0-4.5 hours, 3.6 hours in an average. Postoperative regular follow-up. Results All of the wounds healed in stage I and all flaps survived. Texture of the flaps was soft with rosy color. No obvious swelling occurred. All the donor sites healed in stage I. The patients were followed-up for 4-18 months, 8 months in an average. The appearance and function of the repaired fingers and thumbs were satisfactory. The pain, temperature and touch sensations were good. The color of flaps was similar to the normal finger without swelling. The wear resistance of the flaps was good. Thin-line scars were in the wrist donor sites without contracture. The range of motion of active palmar flexion of the wrist was from 0° to 80° and active hyperextension was from 0° to 70°. No obvious limitation was found. Conclusion It is able to achieve a satisfactory clinical effects by using the flap that is based on SPBRA with palmaris longus tendon in repairing the dorsal complex tissue defect of hand. The advantages of the technique are that the donor site is concealed. The wound is small, and the flap is easy to be harvested and anastomosed. Key words: Superficial palmar branch of radial artery flaps; Complex tissue flaps; Palmaris longus tendons; Finger; Repair