Using free superficial palmar branch of the radial artery flap to repair soft tissue defect of finger pulp

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the surgical technique and the clinical effect of applying free superficial palmar branch of the radial artery flap to repair soft tissue defect of finger pulp.Methods From June,2011 to December,2013,12 cases of soft tissue defect of finger pulp and bone exposed were treated with free superficial palmar branch of the radial artery flap.The flap was designed from the proximal end of palmar wrist and the donor site was sutured directly.The size of the harvested flaps was between 2.5 cm × 1.0 cm and 6.2 cm × 3.8 cm,and the sensation of the flap was reconstructed via median nerve cutaneous branch.Results All transfering flaps survived and all cases were followed up for 4 to 17 months.The donor site got primary healing with a straight car.The appearance and texture of the flaps were satisfactory.2-point discrimination ranged from 6 to 11 mm.The pain sensation,warmth sensation and touch sensation of the flap got better.Conclusion The free superficial palmar branch of the radial artery flap is easy to harvest and anastomose,which is masked and a small incision for the donor site.The appearance and sensation of the flap which has sensory nerve branched for sensory reconstruction is satisfactory.It is an ideal method for the repairment of finger pulp defects. Key words: Superficial palmar branch of the radial artery; Surgical flap; Repair; Finger pulp