Vessel anastomosis for repairing in site of skin avulsion injury in hand

Abstract

Objective To identify the practical microsurgical procedure for repairing in site of skin avulsion injury in hand, and evaluate the long-term following-up results. Methods From January 2001 to May 2005, 21 cases of skin avulsion injury in hand were treated in our department. The surgical procedures thumb skin was revascularized with vein graft from forearm, and the other part of injuried hand was resuffaced by the thickness skin graft taken from the original degloved skin, which was suitable for degloving injury in-graft, the dorsum and palm of hand was skin grafted by the original skin thinned, which was suitable for complete degloved injury at the proximal interphalangeal level. Results All the repaired skin were survival in 16 patients, partial necrosis occurred in 4 cases, which was severely crushed, required debridement and skin graft on the residual defect. Whole failure in 1 case, which underwent secondary amputation. Follow-up at 10-28 months shows acceptable cosmetic and sensible results, slight scarring was present on the volar as-pects of hand. The range of motion of the thumb and fingers was almost complete. All patients regained new jobs. Conclusion Individualization of mierosurgical methods for repairing in site of skin avulsion injury in hand does represent the best solution. Key words: Hand; Surgical flaps; Transplantation ; Skin; Degloving injury