Restoration of basic hand function following devastating hand injuries using a microsurgically fabricated chimeric iliac osteocutaneous flap

Abstract

Reconstruction following devastating hand injuries, with amputations of the thumb plus multiple digits, is challenging. Double flap or combined flap transfers may be options in such cases. Between 2012 and 2014, 6 patients underwent hand reconstruction following devastating injuries with amputations of the thumb and multiple digits. Sensate anterolateral thigh free flaps and superficial circumflex iliac artery osteocutaneous flaps were microsurgically fabricated as sequential chimeric flaps. Basic hand function, including pulp-to-palm distance, pinch strength, sensation recovery and modified DASH scores, were evaluated. Anterolateral thigh flaps were used as "piggyback" flaps, and their size ranged from 8cm×16cm to 10cm×25cm. Cutaneous portions of superficial circumflex iliac artery osteocutaneous flaps ranged in size from 4cm×5cm to 7cm×15cm, and bone flap size ranged from 1cm×3cm×0.8cm to 1cm×4cm×1cm. All of the flaps survived uneventfully. All patients were able to perform basic hand functions after a median follow-up of 1.8 years. Microsurgically fabricated chimeric iliac osteocutaneous flaps may restore basic hand function to some extent. This procedure is an option worth considering for hand reconstruction following devastating injuries in carefully selected patients.