Thumb Defects Research Articles

Application of double osteotomy and lengthening of proximal phalanx and metacarpal with Ilizarov technique for thumb defect

To investigate the effectiveness of double osteotomy and lengthening of proximal phalanx and metacarpal with Ilizarov technique in treatment of thumb defect. Between February 2017 and June 2019, 6 patients with traumatic thumb defects were treated with double osteotomy and lengthening of proximal phalanx and metacarpal by Ilizarov technique. There were 5 males and 1 female. The age ranged from 28 to 57 years, with an average of 41.5 years. There were 3 cases on the left side and 3 cases on the right side. All patients were admitted to the hospital in emergency department after injury, and the stump of the thumb was trimmed and sutured. The osteotomy plane was the distal part of the proximal phalanx in 4 cases and the interphalangeal joint in 2 cases. The interval between injury and osteotomy was 20-245 days (median, 34.5 days). After minimally invasive osteotomy and placement of a semi-circular external fixator, the lengthening began on the 5th day. The proximal phalanx and metacarpal were lengthened by 0.5 mm every day, once every 12 hours. The thumb of the affected side was distracted to the middle of the distal phalanx of the healthy thumb, and the fixator was removed after the bone healed. The distraction time was 14-23 days, with an average of 18.8 days. The osteotomies were healed with healing time of 91-147 days (mean, 120.2 days). The total distraction length of the proximal phalanx and metacarpal was 1.40-2.25 cm, with an average of 1.86 cm; healing index was 51.0-72.2 days/cm, with an average of 64.9 days/cm. All patients were followed up 5-12 months (mean, 8.2 months). At last follow-up, the two-point discrimination was 5.3-8.5 mm with an average of 6.98 mm. According to the evaluation standard of the upper limb part of the Chinese Medical Association, the score was 10-14, with an average of 12.5. Among them, 4 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. All patients were satisfied with the function and appearance of thumb after operation. The Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick-DASH) score was 2.3-9.1, with an average of 6.1. The double osteotomy and lengthening of proximal phalanx and metacarpal with Ilizarov technique is an effective method for the treatment of thumb defects.

Reconstruction of thumb defects with medial sural artery perforator flap: case series.

BackgroundDigital defect is one of the most common types of emergency hand injuries. Plastic surgeons continue to search for a better method to repair digital defects, especially those of the thumb. The medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap has been widely used as a popular method for limb and head reconstruction. Our findings have led us to advocate the use of free medial sural artery perforator flap to repair large thumb defects.MethodsFrom July 2010 to July 2013, we used free MSAP flaps to resurface large defects of 9 thumbs in 9 clinical cases. There were 6 men and 3 women among the participants, aged 21–49 years (average age: 37.6 years). Flap sizes varied from 2 cm × 3 cm to 3 cm × 6 cm. Perforators of all flaps were accurately located by color Doppler detection.ResultsAccording to color Doppler detection, the distance from the popliteal crease to the points where first/second perforator pierced the deep fascia was 10.1±1.1/15.2±0.8 cm. The distance from the midline to the first/second perforator was 2.8±0.8/3.5±0.5 cm. A total of nine flaps fully survived. All defects of the nine thumbs were adequately resurfaced. Postoperative follow-up conducted at 12–24 months revealed satisfaction in both cosmetic and function results.ConclusionsThe MSAP flap, which can be easily harvested and well thinned, is an ideal choice to repair thumb defects. Accurate location of the perforator by Doppler detection ensures the surgical success, and minimizes injury to the donor site.

CLINICAL APPLICATION OF 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY FOR PREOPERATIVE PLANNING OF THUMB RECONSTRUCTION.

ABSTRACTObjective: This study aimed to explore the clinical application of preoperative precise design for 3D printing and thumb reconstruction, which could help manage the patients with thumb defect and achieve better function and appearance.Methods: This was a retrospective study of 20 patients who underwent the surgery of harvesting toe transplant and thumb reconstruction between January 2015 and December 2016. The 3D model of the thumb defect was created and printed. The dimensions of skin and bones from donor site were precisely designed as reference for surgical operation. The surgery was performed according to the model.Results: Perfect repair of defects was achieved with satisfying appearance and function. The reconstructed thumbs all survived (survival rate of 100%). Follow-up was 3-9 months. The maximum dorsiflexion was 8-30° and the maximum flexion was 38-58°. The two-point sensory discrimination was 9-11 mm. In total, 17 patients reposted “Excellent” satisfaction and three “Good”, each for the reconstructed thumb and hand function, respectively. The satisfaction rate was 85%.Conclusion: Preoperative digital design and 3D printing according to the donor and recipient sites allowed a tailored operation. The operation was more precise, the appearance of the reconstructed thumb was good. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective Study.

The Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Based Abdominal Flap for Reconstruction of Extensive Defects of the Hand and Forearm: A Modified Design With Primary Closure of the Donor Site.

The reconstruction of the hand and forearm targets the restoration of their function and aesthetic appearance. Inferiorly based abdominal flaps are reliable and versatile flaps that can cover large defects of the forearm and hand. Here we present a modified abdominal flap design based exclusively on the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) to reconstruct the hand and forearm's extensive defects. The donor site is closed primarily. This is a retrospective study of the patients who underwent reconstruction of hand and forearm defects with SIEA flap from 2006 to 2018. The flap was designed on the ipsilateral hemiabdomen with a narrow pedicle based on the SIEA. We describe the anatomical basis and the outcomes of SIEA flap for reconstruction of the hand and forearm's extensive defects. Forty-eight soft tissue defects of the hand and forearm were reconstructed with the SIEA-based abdominal flap. Twenty-nine (60.41%) dorsal defects, 4 (8.33%) volar defects, 4 (8.33%) circumferential defects, 6 (12.5%) hand amputation stump, and 5 (10.41%) finger and thumb defects were covered using the SIEA flap. Forty-seven (97.91%) flaps had complete survival, whereas 1 (2.08%) flap had distal necrosis at the time of division. One (2.08%) flap had marginal necrosis, and 1 (2.08%) flap had distal necrosis after the division. The donor site was closed primarily in all patients. One (2.08%) patient had wound dehiscence at the abdominal donor site. All flaps gave excellent coverage with a satisfactory contour. Abdominal flap based on SIEA is a safe, reliable, and versatile flap for the reconstruction of extensive soft-tissue defects of the hand and forearm. An ability to provide a large amount of skin and soft tissue and the abdominal donor site's primary closure make it a favorable option for upper limb reconstruction in regions with limited resources and technical expertise.

Cosmetic and functional results of a newly reconstructed thumb by combining the phalanx of second toe and the great toenail flap transplantation

BackgroundMicrosurgical toe-to-hand transfer is a gold standard when it comes to repairing a thumb defect. Great toenail flap, thumbnail valva flap, free great toe, and second toe transplantation are the common methods in thumb reconstruction. Second toe transplantation achieves good function, but poor esthetics. Great toe transplantation achieves better esthetics, but hindered walking, due to the foot’s loss of the great toe and moreover suboptimal thumb function. It is difficult to maintain both functional and esthetic satisfaction in thumb reconstruction.MethodsWe experimented with three different methods of toe to hand transfer. From October 2009 to July 2019, 30 patients with traumatic thumb defects received one of 3 different kinds of thumb reconstruction in our clinic according to their level of amputation. Divided evenly into three groups of ten, group one received a great toe transplantation, group two received a second toe transplantation, and group three received a combined great toenail flap and second toe phalanx transplantation. Each of the patients’ thumbs had different levels of amputation at the metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) or distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ).ResultsOne patient suffered from a partial flap necrosis and received a groin flap to cover the defect. No other thumbs had any complications. The functional and esthetic results of both the donor and the recipient sites were satisfactory. Results show that, for patients with traumatic thumb defects, the combined transfer of flap and second toe phalanx was the best option.ConclusionsCompared to the great toe or second toe transfer, combined free transfer of the great toenail flap and second toe phalanx achieved a substantially better functional and esthetic result in the thumb reconstruction.

Functional and aesthetic outcomes of first dorsal metacarpal artery flap for thumb reconstruction: a prospective study

Background: Reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the thumb, with exposure of tendon, joint or bone, has been a challenging problem. Surgical options include local, regional or free flaps. Here, we have evaluated the functional and aesthetic outcomes of first dorsal metacarpal artery (FDMA) island flap in reconstruction of various soft tissue defects of the thumb.Methods: Between January 2018 and January 2019, twenty patients with post-traumatic and post-infective thumb defects underwent FDMA flaps. Sensory function was evaluated with static 2 point discrimination and mobility of the thumb was tested by the Kapandji score. The aesthetic outcome was also assessed.Results: The mean defect size was 39.9×19.95 mm. Eighteen flaps survived completely and one had distal flap necrosis and one had superficial epidermal peeling which was treated conservatively. The mean static two-point discrimination was 9.3 mm. Cortical reorientation was complete in 45%. The average Kapandji score was 7.9. The aesthetic outcome was excellent in ten, good in eight and poor in two subjects. After a mean follow up period of 11.85 months, most patients regained all functions of the thumb and index finger and were pleased with the cosmetic appearance of the flap and donor site.Conclusions: FDMA flap offers a good quality skin cover for small to moderate sized thumb defects. It is a reliable and versatile flap which is sensate and pliable. It gives excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes with minimal or no donor site morbidity.

Comparison of reverse dorsoradial flap for thumb reconstruction: narrow pedicle versus wide pedicle

The reverse homodigital dorsoradial flap remains a useful alternative for covering thumb defects. However, the description of pedicle width of dorsoradial flap is not clear. The aim of this study was to compare the results of narrow pedicle with wide pedicle in dorsoradial flaps and describe our experience with the thumb reconstruction. From July 2014 to February 2019, 42 patients were treated with the reverse dorsoradial flap for thumb reconstruction. The patients were divided as Group A (pedicle width ≤ 0.8cm) and Group B (pedicle width > 0.8cm). Flap survival, time to return to work, flap sensibility, the range of motion (ROM) of the joints, and final aesthetic outcomes were evaluated. Respectively in the Group A (17 cases) and Group B (25 cases), 14-19 flaps survived uneventfully, whereas 3-6 flaps experienced venous congestion with no or partial flap loss. No significant difference was identified between the two groups for the incidence of venous congestion, static 2-point discrimination and ROM of the injured thumbs. Time to return to work was significantly shorter in Group A. The aesthetic satisfaction of the patients in Group A was significantly better comparing with that in Group B. The reverse homodigital dorsoradial flap with narrow pedicle width is associated with more favorable outcomes in terms of time lost from work and aesthetic satisfaction of the patients.

Soft tissue reconstruction of low voltage electric burn injuries of the thumb and first web space by the first dorsal metacarpal artery island flap: a three-year study from Eastern India

Background: Complex soft tissue defects of thumb and first web space are a reconstructive challenge. Low voltage electric burns of the hand commonly result in localised and deep soft tissue destruction. The first dorsal metacarpal artery flap (FDMA) is an attractive local flap option to reconstruct these. This study illustrates our experience with the same.Methods: Between March 2014 and February 2017, 16 patients with complex soft tissue defects of thumb and first web space resulting from low voltage electric burns underwent reconstruction with the FDMA flap and subsequent structured hand therapy. In the follow up visits objective assessment of hand function included tests of mobility using Kapandji Score, sensory evaluation with static 2 point discrimination and cortical reorientation. The Subjective Satisfaction Score was used to ascertain the patient’s overall perception of aesthetic and functional outcome.Results: Majority (43.75%) of the patients had defects involving the thumb IP joint. No case of complete flap failure was noted. In a mean follow-up of 11.5 months the reconstructed thumb showed return of good protective sensation as well as mobility. Though cortical reorientation was complete in only 18.75 %, it did not substantially impede hand functioning. All patients were satisfied with the functional and aesthetic result.Conclusions: In cases of low voltage electric burn injuries the FDMA flap is a reliable reconstructive option for small to moderate sized complex defects of thumb and first web space. It has minimal donor site morbidity and can be accomplished in a relatively simple single stage procedure.

Application of a modified dorsoulnar artery pedicle flap in the repair of thumb tip defects: A case report.

Between February 2012 and March 2014 10 patients were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University for surgery due to a thumb tip defect. Nine of these patients were male and one was female and there were 7 cases of left thumb defects and 3 cases of right thumb defects. The surgical procedures followed were first, modification of the flap tail to an equilateral triangle, which facilitated pedicle suturing of soft tissue defects, caused mild tension and effectively reduced venous disorders, and second complete opening of the flap pedicle to the soft tissue defects at the tunnel. All patients were followed up at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Grip and pinch strength were measured 6 and 12 months after surgery. Static two-point discrimination testing of the modified flap showed minor differences from the uninjured hand. Post-surgery grip and pinch strength were restored to approximately 85% of the level of that in the uninjured hand. The modified dorsoulnar artery pedicle flap provided excellent thumb tip defect coverage and is an effective and safe technique for the restoration of grip and pinch strength to the hand after the repair of a thumb tip defect.

Assessment of soft tissue reconstruction of the thumb after injuries

Background: This study is to formulate a strategic approach for soft tissue reconstruction of the thumb and study of different modalities of soft tissue reconstruction of the thumb and try to clarify advantage and discuss complication of each modality.Methods: This is a prospective study done on 20 patients with thumb defects and deformities, presented at Menoufia University and Al-Ahrar Zagazig Teaching Hospitals during the period from January 2017 to July 2019. They were 14 Males and 6 females classified according to age, sex, type of trauma, dominant hand, type of flap used for reconstruction.Results: The most type of injury was trauma in all technique accept digital artery perforator (DAP) flap and groin flap of the half patients were trauma (50%) and other half were post burn (50%). Most patients were early timing of interference in all techniques accept replantation was immediate time of interference (100%) and groin flap was late time of interference (100%). Most patients in Moberg flap had minimal scare complication (60%). Whereas half patients had minimal scare complication in replantation, little flap and DAP flap (50%, 50% and 50%). While half patients had volar contracture, graft complication in thumb cross finger and groin flap (50% and 50%).Conclusions: Replantation is the first choice for thumb amputations proximal to the base of the distal phalanx. It is impossible or fails, other methods of thumb reconstruction. Thumb cross finger flap is an excellent reconstructive technique for larger volar and tip defects of the thumb, up to 2-3 cm2.

Application of the first dorsal metacarpal reverse fasciocutaneous flap with the superficial branch of radial nerve for repair of thumb defect

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of the first dorsal metacarpal reverse fasciocutaneous flap with the superficial branch of radial nerve for repair of thumb defect. Methods From January 2013 to June 2017, 14 patients with thumb defect were treated using the first dorsal metacarpal reverse fasciocutaneous flap with the superficial branch of radial nerve. The flap area was 2.0 cm×1.5 cm to 4.5 cm×3.5 cm. The donor area was sutured directly in 11 cases and covered with full thickness skin graft in 3 cases. Results All the 14 flaps were survived uneventfully without vascular crisis, necrosis and infection. The patients were follow-up for 6 to 15 months. The appearance of the fingers was aesthetic, the texture was soft, the skin color was close to the surrounding tissue, and the skin flap had good wear resistance. After the operation, the sensation of the flap recovered to S3+ with the two-point discrimination being 6 to 9 mm. The sensation of pain and temperature were recovered. Patients can use their thumbs for daily work and life. Conclusion The first dorsal metacarpal reverse fasciocutaneous flap with the superficial branch of radial nerve has the advantages of reasonable flap design, reliable blood supply, convenient cutting and simple operation. It is an ideal operation for repairing thumb defect. Key words: Surgical flaps; Treatment outcome; Thumb defect; Superficial branch of radial nerve

Reconstruction of thumb defect by transplanting second toe combined with hallucis flap: 9 cases report

Objective To introduce the method for reconstruction of thumb defect by transplanting free flap of second toe combined with the hallucis flap. Methods From June, 2012 to February, 2017, a total of 9 cases of thumb defect were treated. The average age of these 9 patients was 26 years. The plane of thumb defect was class II area A to class III area A. According to the condition of thumb defect, designed the incision on the hallux and the second toe of the contralateral foot, and cut the 2nd digit and big-toe nail flap with a common arterial trunk. The nail of hallucis flap was rotated 90 degree and connected to the distal end of the 2nd toe. The hallucis flap covered the narrow neck of the 2nd toe. Thus, the circumference of the reconstructed finger and the length of the toenail were increased. Regular followed-up was made after operation. Results All 9 transplantation flaps survived, and donor sites healed primarily. Postoperative followed-up period ranged from 4 to 12 (averge,7) months. All the reconstructed thumbs survived and donor toes were in satisfactory appearances. According to the Functional Assessment Criteria of the Upper Limb Formulated by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, the outcomes were graded as excellent in 6 cases and good in 3 cases. All the patients were able to manage their daily activities independently. Donor toe injury was small, and their shape and function was good. Conclusion Free flap of second toe combined with hallucis can effectively improve the appearance of the reconstructed thumb. The appearance of the reconstructed thumb is symmetrical, beautiful, and the function is good. Key words: Thumb reconstruction; Second toe; Hallucis flap; Tissue transplantation; Thumb defect

Application of free big toe nail bone flap combined with second toe tibial flap for reconstruction of thumb defect

Objective To introduce a modified method of thumb reconstruction by combined transplantation of free big toe nail bone flap and second toe tibial flap. Methods According to the condition of thumb defect, free big toe nail bone flap and second toe tibial flap with the common vascular pedicle were cut from the first and second toes of the ipsilateral foot. The second toe tibial flaps were transversely transferred to the tibial side of the toe nail bone flap to reconstruct the toe nail flap belly and nail folds, improve the shape of the reconstructed thumb and reduce the damage of the donor site. Results All the 7 cases survived and the donor and recipient wounds achieved primary healing. The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 3 to 15 months. The reconstructed thumb had good appearance and normal function. According to the functional evaluation criteria of the upper limb issued by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, the results were graded as excellent in 5 cases and good in 2 cases. All the patients could manage their activities of daily living independently. The donor site had little injury, good shape and function. Conclusion The method of reconstructing thumb defect with free big toe nail bone flap combined with second toe tibial flap can effectively improve the appearance of reconstructed thumb, make the reconstructed thumb symmetrical, beautiful and functional, and reduce the damage of donor toes. Key words: Thumb; Surgical flaps; Second toe; Reconstruction

The Holevich modification of the first dorsal metacarpal artery flap in coverage of thumb skin losses

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects of the thumb is a challenging problem. It is very important to reconstruct these defects using sensate flaps as the thumb pulp needs to be sensate for implementing the various functions of the thumb. The aim of this study is to report our experience on the safety and functional outcome of the innervated first dorsal metacarpal artery flap (FDMA) for soft tissue defects of thumb.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> During 18 month period, nine patients with a mean age of 29 years, male:female ratio of 8:1 underwent coverage of soft tissue defects of the thumb, of various volar and dorsal defects, using an innervated first dorsal metacarpal artery flap. Indications were postburn deformities and acute trauma. None of the patients had any neurorraphy. Outcome of the Holevich modification of FDMA flap was assessed with regards to survival and function, reachability for different locations of the thumb, recovery of sensation in terms of two-point discrimination (2PD), donor morbidity with regards to deformity and range of motion were analysed.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The mean size of the defect was 6.7 cm<sup>2</sup>. Average hospital stay was 5 days. Average time of sensory recovery was 6 months. The mean 2PD was 4 mm (range 2-6 mm). All patients had a normal active range of motion in the donor finger. One of nine patients had distal flap marginal necrosis of 3-4 mm; it healed with debridement and regular dressings over 12 days.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The Holevich modification ensures the safety of the innervated FDMA flap in thumb defect coverage with good recovery of sensation.</p>

Clinical effect of thumb finger reconstruction using dorsal foot flap transplant for treating thumb defects

It was found that conventional toe graft alone could not meet the patients' needs for wound repair, so we hypothesized that it would be more effective to treat thumb and finger defect by toe graft with dorsalis foot flap. This prospective study was conducted in 104 thumb defect patients to investigate the clinical effect of thumb reconstruction using toe graft with dorsal foot flap for the treatment of thumb defects. These patients were randomly divided into the dorsal foot group and the control group by randomized double-blind method, with 52 patients in each group. The second toe was used for thumb reconstruction transplant in both the groups. After thumb reconstruction, the abdominal pedicled flap was used to repair the surgical wound in the control group whereas the dorsal foot flap was used to repair the surgical wound in the dorsal foot group. Three months after surgery, the efficacy of surgical treatment, evaluation of two-point discrimination, postoperative complications, function of reconstructed thumb, operation time, and hospitalization time were recorded and compared between the two groups. MHOQ questionnaire was used to evaluate and compare the patients' satisfaction with finger reconstruction in both the groups. The surgical therapeutic effect, the function of the reconstructed thumb, and satisfaction with finger reconstruction were significantly higher in the dorsal foot group compared to the control group (all p < 0.05). The postoperative two-point discrimination, postoperative complication rate, operation time, and hospitalization time of patients in the dorsal foot group were significantly lower compared to the control group (all p < 0.05). Thumb finger reconstruction using the second toe transplant with dorsal foot flap had a beneficial effect on thumb defect patients. It can effectively improve finger function and sensory recovery of patients while reducing complications.

Local and Regional Flaps in Thumb Reconstruction

Background: The thumb represents a critical role in overall hand function particularly by pinching and grasping thus, representing about 40% of actual hand function. Objective: Evaluation of different local and regional flaps in thumb reconstruction regarding function, sensation and aesthetic outcome. Patients and methods: The study included 20 patients with thumb defect admitted to Al-Azhar University Hospital in New Damietta for prospective cohort study. Results: Homodigital island flap was used in two cases (10 %), this type of flap proved to have excellent cosmetic and sensory results very close to FDMA flap, with privilege over FDMA flap in large defects where Homodigital flap proved to be better and provided adequate skin coverage. The flap was reliable, with good vascular and sensory supply, and provided thumb reconstruction in a single stage. 8 cases (40%) by volar advancement flap. Moberg flap was used in 8 cases. The flap was reliable, with good vascular and sensory supply, and provided thumb reconstruction in a single stage. This flap was found to be sufficient to cover no more than the distal one third of the distal phalanx of the thumb. Minimal flexion limitation at the interphalangeal joint occurred then returned to normal in all patients. Postoperatively, no flap loss occurred. Conclusion: V-Y, The Moberg`s flap, cross finger flap, the first dorsal metacarpal artery flap and homo-digital island flap. The volar advancement flap (Moberg’s Flap) is the simplest and easier sensate flap used for reconstruction of thumb defects in distal third of distal phalanx less than one centimeter.

Radial midpalmar island flapによる母指再建の経験

Radial midpalmar island flapによる母指再建の経験

Repair of thumb defect by using the toenail flap: biomechanical analysis of donor foot\u2014a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe thumb accounts for 50% of the total hand function. This study reports the functional outcomes and complications of people with traumatic thumb amputations who underwent toe-to-thumb reconstruction.MethodsFrom January 2013 to January 2018, 29 patients with second-degree thumb defect underwent thumb reconstruction with distal phalangeal braided toenail flap. The footscan foot pressure gait analysis system was used to measure the index changes of the same foot before and after 1, 3 and 6 months. The contact area, peak pressure, impulse value, contact time of each gait phase, centre of gravity coordinate and foot balance were analysed statistically.ResultsTwenty-nine cases of thumb reconstruction recovered well. After following up for 6–15 months, the appearance of the reconstructed thumb was close to normal, and the sensation was restored to S3+. The two-point discrimination was 6–8 mm, and the function of the thumb was good. The function of the donor foot was well restored, and no skin ulceration, pain and claudication were noted during walking. Compared with that before the operation, the biomechanical indices of the donor foot were basically restored to normal 6 months after the operation. Only the stress and impulse values of the third metatarsal head were significantly increased, forming a stress concentration area centred on the third metatarsal head.ConclusionsThis study confirmed that the toenail flap with distal phalangeal bone restored the second-degree thumb defect without destroying the main functional structure of the sole. The biomechanical indices of the donor foot were basically restored to normal 6 months after the operation. Only the stress concentration area centred on the third metatarsal head, and the pain on the forefoot was induced after the operation. Discomfort, callus formation, metatarsal fasciitis, etc., can lead to fatigue fracture of the third metatarsal bone in severe cases, which requires further follow-up and observation.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov, NCT03879941; registered on 10 March 2019, retrospectively.

Repair of Thumb Defect by Using the Toe Nail Flap

Repair of Thumb Defect by Using the Toe Nail Flap

First dorsal metacarpal artery flap a workhorse for reconstruction of selected small defects of the hand

Background: The first dorsal metacarpal artery (FDMA) flap is used mainly for reconstruction of thumb defects. We share our experience of this flap for various defects of thumb and also its use to cover other defects. Materials and Methods: Case records of 15 patients with FDMA flap between October 2015 and February 2018 at our center were analyzed retrospectively. Data were analyzed for etiology, associated comorbidities, interval between injury and operation, site of defect, harvesting technique, and inclusion of dorsal interossei muscle cuff, complications, donor-site morbidities, and postoperative sensory recovery. Results: Of 15 patients, 13 were male and 2 were female. Eleven patients had a posttraumatic defect, 2 had post-electric burn defect, 1 had a firecracker injury, and 1 had a post snakebite defect. Of 15 patients, 12 patients had thumb defects, 1 patient with defect of first web space, 1 on volar aspect of palm, and 1 on the dorsum of hand over the head of third metacarpal. All patients showed protective sensations and 6 patients with 12-month follow-up showed minimum of 9 mm of two-point discrimination with no donor-site morbidity. Conclusions: The FDMA flap has a constant anatomy, easy dissection, and shows good functional and esthetic results. FDMA flap is the first treatment of choice for defects of the thumb, but it can be used for selected small defects of hand due to its wide arc of rotation.