Jianchao Zhang*, Xian Zhong, Dong Li, Jie Zheng, Ke Wang, Xiaochen Xu
Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, First People's Hospital of Changshu City, Changshu 215500, Jiangsu Province, China
Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of repairing the finger defects by applying the digital proper artery dorsal branch propeller flap.
Methods: From January, 2017 to January, 2019. 15fingers in 13cases with soft tissue defect were treated. Using the digital proper artery dorsal branch propeller flap was transferred to cover the defect.
Results: 14fingers of the flaps successfully survived. Tension blisters of the flap and partial necrosis occurred in 1 case, and healed after dressing change. Donor sites healed without any complication. All cases were followed-up by 6-12 months, and the average time was 8months. The appearance and quality of the flaps were good. Two-point discrimination was7 to 11 mm on the flap. The range of motion of the metaearpophalangeal joints and interphalangeal joints was normal. According to the Upper Extremity Functional Evaluation Tentative Criteria set up by Hand Surgery Branch of Chinese Medical Association, 14 fingers were excellent, 2 fingers were good, and 1 finger was fair.
Conclusion: This procedure spares the proper digital artery and nerve, is a good method in repairing soft tissue defect of thumb tips due to its ease of operation, achievement of good blood circulation and good recovery of appearance and sensation after the surgery.
Propeller flap, perforator flap, finger defect, surgical flap, digital artery.
10.19193/0393-6384_2020_6_608