Repairment of skin defects secondary to penetrating wound of palm with the application of free string-type dorsalis pedis flap and anterior malleolus flap

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical outcome of the feasible method of the free string type dorsalis pedis flap and anterior malleolus flap in the repairement of skin defects caused by penetrating wound of palm. Methods From May 2004 to July 2009, the free string-type dorsalis pedis flap and anterior malleolus flap were used to repair skin defects of 16 cases who sutained penetrating wounds of palm.Results All 32 flaps in the 16 cases were all survived. Follow-ups were done from 6 months to 2 years after operation. Both the appearances of the repaired palms and the functional recovery were satisfactory. The function assessment of the hand was excellent in 8 cases, good in 5 cases, fine in 2 cases and poor in 1 case.The eligible rate was 81.25%. Conclusion The anatomy of the dorsalis pedis flap and anterior malleolus flap is rare variant, which facilitate the dissection of the flaps during operation. The repairement of skin defects at two sides, both the palm and the back of hand, can be achieved via one operation. Therefore, the free string type dorsalis pedis flap and anterior malleolus flaps offer an ideal procedure to repair skin defects secondary to penetrating wound of palm. Key words: Anterior malleolus flap; Dorsalis pedis flap; Transplantation; Penetrating wound of palm; Microsurgical operation