First dorsal metacarpal artery islanded flap: A useful flap for reconstruction of thumb pulp defects

Thumb pulp defects are commonly due to avulsion injuries. 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. A very good option for coverage of these defects is the islanded first dorsal metacarpal artery flap. Our study was done over a period of 2 years and involved 9 consecutive cases of thumb pulp defects treated at our institution. The patients included 8 males and 1 female, ranging in age from 16 to 51 years old. The flap size ranged from 2 × 1.5 cm to 5 × 3 cm. We had only one complication in the form of partial flap necrosis, which fortunately healed following debridement without the need for a secondary procedure. All our cases were done under local anesthesia with tourniquet control. All the patients had good fine touch and average two-point discrimination of 6 mm, which was satisfactory. Our good results further reinforce the islanded first dorsal metacarpal artery flap as one the best flaps for sensate reconstruction of thumb pulp defects. It replaces the soft tissue loss at the thumb pulp with minimal donor site morbidity and with good return of thumb pulp sensation.     

Reverse flow first dorsal metacarpal artery flap for covering the defect of distal thumb

Reconstruction of distal thumb injuries still remains a challenge for hand surgeons. Surgical treatment includes the use of local, regional, and free flaps. The purpose of this report is to present the results of the use of a sensitive reverse flow first dorsal metacarpal artery (FDMA) flap. The skin flap was designed on the radial side of the proximal phalanx of the index finger based on the ulnar and radial branch of the FDMA and a sensory branch of the superficial radial nerve. This neurovascular flap was used in five patients to cover distal soft‐tissue thumb defects. All flaps achieved primary healing except for one patient in whom superficial partial necrosis of the flap occurred, and the defect healed by second intention. All patients maintained the thumb original length and were able to return to their previous daily activities. The reverse flow FDMA flap is a reliable option to cover immediate and delayed defects of distal thumb, offering acceptable functional and cosmetic outcomes in respect to sensibility, durability, and skin‐match. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:283–286, 2014.     

Correction of thumb deformities after burn: versatility of first dorsal metacarpal artery flap

In the management of a debilitated burned hand due to contractures, thumb reconstruction constitutes the most crucial part for a beneficial functional outcome. Among the limited local flap alternatives for the thumb, the first dorsal metacarpal artery flap, harvested from the dorsal aspect of the index finger can provide elastic, durable and sensate coverage for soft tissue defects after contracture release. In a 3-year period, neurovascular island first dorsal metacarpal artery flap was used in 14 patients suffering thumb deformities. The time elapsed after the underlying injury until reconstruction ranged from 5 months to 17 years. Follow-up revealed that all deformities were successfully treated with satisfactory functional recovery and cosmetic results. Donor site morbidity was minimal with an acceptable scar on the dorsum of the index finger and adequate tendon gliding without producing extension deficit. Our experience with management of deformities involving the thumb and/or adjacent thenar area revealed that the first dorsal metacarpal artery flap is a reliable local neurovascular island flap option, offering acceptable functional and cosmetic outcomes in respect to sensation, elasticity, durability and skin-match.     

Treatment of thumb soft-tissue defects using a bipedicle island flap of the index finger: anatomical basis and clinical application

Purpose

Reconstruction of the thumb with exposure of bone and tendon is challenging. We designed a bipedicle island flap from the dorsum of the index finger to repair thumb defects. One pedicle includes the radial proper palmar digital artery (PDA) of the index finger, another pedicle includes the first dorsal metacarpal artery (FDMA). The aim of the study was to investigate the anatomical basis and clinical application of this flap.

Methods

Eleven fresh cadaver hands were dissected, the FDMA and the radial proper PDA were exposed. Their origin, distribution and diameter in different locations, especially in the dorsum of the proximal phalanx of the index finger, were examined. Ten patients (11 hands) underwent thumb reconstruction using this flap. During follow-up, the flap survival and hand function were evaluated.

Results

The origin of the FDMA in three cadaver hands was abnormal. The FDMA was mainly distributed in the proximal area of the dorsum of the proximal phalanx. The radial proper PDA of the index finger formed one constant dorsal branch, mainly distributing in the middle and distal area of the dorsum of the proximal phalanx. All flaps survived. At follow-up, the span of the first web and the range of motion of the thumbs and index fingers reached more than 94 % of the contralateral finger. All patients were satisfied with the hand function according to the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ).

Conclusions

The bipedicle island flap has two arterial systems to provide sufficient blood supply. This technique provides another option for thumb reconstruction when a large supercharged FDMA island flap needs to be designed, or when there is an additional injury to the radial side of the dorsum of the hand or if there are anatomical variations of the FDMA, or if damage to the FDMA occurs during surgery.     

An alternative approach in the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture skin defects: first dorsal metacarpal artery island flap

Skin defects are often present following surgery for Dupuytren's contracture. The first dorsal metacarpal artery island flap (FDMA) has been used by others for soft tissue reconstruction about the radial and dorsal aspect of the hand, thumb and fingers. We have used it successfully to fill the skin defects often seen following palmar fasciectomy for Dupuytren's contracture. The thin nature of the flap makes it suitable for this application. The FDMA arises from the radial artery just before the radial artery enters the first dorsal interosseous muscle and divides into three branches: 1 to the thumb, 1 to the index finger (radiodorsal branch) and a muscular branch. It is the radiodorsal branch that supplies the skin over the index finger. The island flap based on this artery includes the dorsal terminal branches of the radial nerve and venae comitantes. The flap is formed to include the fascia of the first dorsal interosseous muscle to avoid injury to a possible deep artery and to yield sufficient fat to promote venous drainage. The flap is passed subcutaneously through the first web space and sutured in place to cover the skin defect in the palm. A full thickness skin graft is used to cover the defect over the proximal phalanx of the index finger.     

First dorsal metacarpal artery flap for thumb reconstruction: a retrospective clinical study

Extensive pulp (zone 4) defects of the thumb, with the exposure of tendon or bone, are challenging reconstructive problems. Surgical treatment includes the use of local, regional, and free flaps. The first dorsal metacarpal artery flap has been used successfully for defects of the thumb. The innerved first dorsal metacarpal artery flap from the dorsum of the index finger was first described by Hilgenfeldt and refined by Holevich. An island flap carried on a neurovascular pedicle consisting of the first dorsal metacarpal artery was first demonstrated by Foucher and Braun. Seven innervated FDMCA island flaps were performed from May 2005 until July 2007 for thumb reconstruction. There were three women and four men with an average age of 54.9 years (range 28–89 years). The mean follow-up period was 15.4 months (range 4–29 months). The dominant hand was involved in six (85.7%) patients. In a retrospective clinical study, the following criteria were evaluated: (1) etiology of the defect, (2) time of reconstruction (primary vs. delayed), (3) survival rate of flap, (4) sensory function (Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments, static 2-PD, pain, cortical reorientation), (5) TAM measured with the Kapandji index, and (6) subjective patient satisfaction (SF 36). Four patients presented with trauma, two patients with defects after tumor resection and one with infection of the thumb. The flap was used for immediate reconstruction in three (42.9%) patients and for delayed reconstruction in four (57.1%) patients. Delayed reconstruction was performed 4.75 (1–12) months after initial trauma or first surgery. The donor area was grafted with full-thickness skin grafts in all cases. All flaps survived. The mean SWMF was 3.31 g and average statis 2-PD over the flap was 10.57 mm. Pain at the flap scored 3.71 over 10 and at the donor site 2.17 over 10. Paresthesia at the flap scored 0.57 over 4 and at the donor site 0.33 over 4. Complete cortical reorientation was only seen in one patient. The mean Kapandji score of the reconstructed thumb was 7.43 over 10. Using the SF-36, mean physical health of the patients scored 66.88% and mean mental health scored 70.55%. Disturbing pain and paresthesia of the flap are exceptional. The static 2-PD is more than 10 mm, and is clinically over the limit. Cortical reorientation was incomplete in all but one patient. Touch on thumb is felt on the dorsum of the index finger; however, sensation is not disturbing or interfering with the patient’s activities. Foucher described the technique débranchement–rébranchement in order to improve this problem. The postoperative total amount of motion of the reconstructed thumb was very good. The results demonstrated that the FDMCA flap has a constant anatomy and easy dissection. It has a low donor site morbidity if FTSG is used. It also shows good functional and aesthetic results. Therefore, the FDMCA flap is a first treatment of choice for defects of the proximal phalanx and proximal part of the distal phalanx of the thumb.     

Sensate first dorsal metacarpal artery flap for resurfacing extensive pulp defects of the thumb

Finding an appropriate soft-tissue grafting material to close a wound located over the distal phalanx of the thumb, especially the pulp region, can be a difficult task. A sensate first dorsal metacarpal artery flap, mobilized from the dorsum of the adjacent index finger and used as an island pedicle skin flap, can be useful for this purpose. The pedicle includes the ulnar branch of the first dorsal metacarpal artery, the dorsal veins, and the cutaneous branch of the radial nerve. Although this tiny artery is anatomically variable, safe dissection can be achieved by including the radial shaft periosteum of the secondary metacarpal bone and the ulnar head fascia of the first interosseous muscle.This approach has been used for 8 individuals with extensive pulp defects of the thumb over the past 3 years. Skin defects in all patients were combined with bone, joint, or tendon exposure. All flaps survived completely. This 1-stage procedure is reliable and technically simple. It provides sensate coverage to the pulp of the thumb but also avoids nerve repair or more complicated microsurgery.     

六种皮瓣修复拇指腹缺损的远期疗效观察

目的评价6种皮瓣修复拇指腹缺损的远期疗效.方法对2001年12月前,在我科接受6种皮瓣修复拇指腹缺损（锁骨下带蒂皮瓣、手指掌侧推进皮瓣、示指背侧皮瓣、带血管神经蒂的大鱼际近端皮瓣及趾腹游离皮瓣）共142例患者,进行了远期随访.随访内容有术后拇指腹色泽、外形、质地、出汗情况、拇指的痛觉、触觉、两点分辨觉、综合质地感觉及运动功能等.结果142例均获得了完整资料.6种皮瓣中,其中锁骨下带蒂皮瓣与示指背侧皮瓣修复的拇指腹,从皮肤色泽、外形、质地、出汗情况等均比其它4种皮瓣差,综合质地感觉优良率也明显低于其它4种皮瓣.结论手指掌侧推进皮瓣、指侧方血管蒂岛状皮瓣、带血管神经蒂的大鱼际近端皮瓣及趾腹游离皮瓣修复拇指腹缺损远期临床效果良好,但指侧方血管蒂岛状皮瓣对手部创伤较大,影响患手美观及供区手指的感觉.     

不同带蒂皮瓣修复拇指软组织缺损的临床研究

目的 探讨修复拇指软组织缺损的最佳手术方式. 方法 自2006年8月至2008年3月对37例拇指软组织缺损伴骨外露或Ⅰ类拇指缺损者进行手术修复.37例患者中,以拇指桡背侧动脉为蒂的皮瓣修复15例,指腹推进皮瓣修复5例,示指背侧皮瓣修复6例,桡动脉皮瓣修复2例,以拇指尺背侧动脉为蒂皮瓣修复9例.其中拇指尺、桡背侧动脉皮瓣的设计以拇指尺、桡背侧动脉体表投影线为轴心线,拇指桡、尺侧纵轴线上距甲沟(2.2±0.2)cm处为旋转点,皮瓣面积最大可达3.5 cm×4.5cm.结果 术后37例皮瓣全部成活.术后随访3～12个月,平均(5.0±0.8)个月.拇指桡、尺背侧动脉皮瓣修复组拇指外形大部分满意,指腹二点分辨觉为5～10 mm,指间关节活动范围为0～70°,由于吻合了桡神经分支与指神经末端,皮瓣术后恢复S_2以上感觉百分比达86.7%、66.7%.结论 拇指桡背侧动脉皮瓣是修复拇指软组织缺损的较佳选择,全拇指脱套伤在特殊情况下则可以考虑应用桡动脉皮瓣.     

First dorsal metacarpal artery flap cover for extensive pulp defects in the normal length thumb.

Use of the first dorsal metacarpal artery flap to cover extensive pulp defects in the normal length thumb in five patients is described. The advantages of the procedure include provision of sensate cover of exposed distal phalanx to the tip of the thumb with minimal donor site morbidity. Its use, particularly in the older patient, with immediate postoperative mobilisation and the avoidance of nerve repair or more complicated microsurgical procedures, is discussed.     

第一掌背动脉皮瓣修复拇、食指皮肤软组织缺损

目的报道第一掌背动脉皮瓣修复拇、食指皮肤软组织缺损的临床效果。方法2005年8月-2012年10月,采用第一掌背动脉皮瓣修复拇、食指皮肤软组织缺损35例,术后随访3-24个月。结果本组35例皮瓣成活良好,外观满意,两点辨别觉达6-10mm,无虎口挛缩,拇食指的对捏、对掌功能恢复良好。结论第一掌背动脉皮瓣修复拇、食指皮肤软组织缺损操作简单,供血血管变异率低,无需再次手术断蒂,也可制成带血运的掌骨、伸肌腱复合组织瓣,且能携带掌背皮神经重建感觉,值得临床推广。     

Digital reconstruction and donor site resurfacing: a two-flap technique

Use of a great toe pulp flap is one of the methods to repair partial soft-tissue defect of the thumb or other digits. However, the conventional application of free skin grafts to close the donor site may bring donor-site morbidity. The authors present a two-flap technique that a reverse first dorsal metatarsal artery (FDMA) flap resurfaces the defect of the free great toe pulp flap. Six patients with soft-tissue defects of the thumbs or fingers were treated with this technique. Both the pulp and reverse flaps survived uneventfully after reconstruction of the thumbs and fingers. The reverse flap to resurface the donor site on the great toe was sensate and durable. Satisfactory appearance and function were gained in all patients. Results revealed that this technique can be accepted as an alternative method when treating soft tissue defect of the thumb or finger.     

The first dorsal metacarpal flap in first web space and thumb reconstruction

Small local flaps for reconstruction of contractures or defects on the hand are useful. The first dorsal metacarpal flap from the dorsal surface of the proximal index is a convenient local flap in hand surgery. The flap may include the dorsal vein and, most importantly, the cutaneous branch of radial nerve. Although there may be some variations of the vascular pedicle, the flap is reliable using careful dissection. In a series of 15 patients, reconstruction with this flap was successful except for 1 patient with marginal necrosis. The first dorsal metacarpal flap is a reliable and convenient local flap in reconstruction of defects or contracture on the thumb and first web space.     

拇指指腹缺损的显微外科修复

目的 探讨含感觉神经的微型皮瓣修复拇指指腹缺损的临床疗效.方法 2000年2月-2010年3月,采用食指背岛状皮瓣、中指侧方岛状皮瓣、以桡侧指动脉为蒂逆行岛状皮瓣、桡动脉掌浅支为蒂的逆行皮瓣、拇指尺背侧动脉逆行皮瓣、拇指背皮神经营养血管皮瓣、第2趾趾腹皮瓣、？？趾甲皮瓣、大鱼际部浅静脉动脉化逆行皮瓣共9种皮瓣修复重建拇指指腹缺损134例.结果 3例皮瓣坏死,131例成活,6个月～1.5年随访108例,皮瓣外形血供充分,质地柔软,感觉测定S2～S4＋,两点辫别觉6～11mm.结论 采用含感觉神经的微型皮瓣修复拇指指腹缺损,对供区影响小、效果佳、为理想的术式选择.     

Foucher first dorsal metacarpal artery flap versus littler heterodigital neurovascular flap in resurfacing thumb pulp loss defects

Our study aims to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of Foucher's first dorsal metacarpal artery flap and Littler's heterodigital neurovascular flap in thumb pulp reconstruction, by assessing wound healing of donor and recipient sites, sensibility, and functional outcome of the reconstructed thumb. Fourteen male patients were reconstructed either with Foucher (n = 8) or Littler flap (n = 6). Dissection of Foucher's flap was faster than that of Littler's flap. All Littler flaps survived completely, but we experienced 1 partial Foucher flap necrosis. Thumb motility and stability was optimal in all patients. Wound healing of donor sites was achieved in both groups. Two patients reconstructed with Littler flap developed scar contractures and presented a reduced range of motion of donor finger and first webspace, respectively. Although Littler flap resulted in better sensibility and tactile gnosis of the reconstructed thumb-pulp, Foucher flap ensured negligible donor site morbidity, complete cortical reorientation, and better overall hand function.     

不同术式的指动脉岛状皮瓣修复指腹缺损

目的探讨不同术式的指动脉岛状皮瓣修复指腹缺损的临床效果。方法56例（56指）指腹缺损,应用邻指指动脉顺行岛状皮瓣修复拇指指腹4指,指动脉逆行岛状皮瓣修复2～5指指腹25指,带指神经血管蒂的岛状推进皮瓣修复2～4指指腹15指,指动脉背侧支逆行岛状皮瓣修复2～4指指腹6指,吻合血管的指动脉顺行岛状皮瓣修复示指指腹合并血管神经缺损2指,邻指带皮蒂的指动脉逆行岛状皮瓣中指指腹4指。皮瓣切取面积为1.5 cm×2.0 cm～3.0 cm×4.0 cm。结果56指皮瓣全部成活。随访1～2年,指腹外形满意,感觉恢复良好,指腹感觉按中华医学会手外科学会上肢部分功能评定试用标准评定：33指恢复至S4,13指恢复至S3＋,7指恢复至S3,3指恢复至S2。结论灵活应用不同术式的指动脉岛状皮瓣修复指腹缺损,手术简便易行、安全、效果好。     

Compound flap from the great toe and vascularized joints from the second toe for posttraumatic thumb reconstruction at the level of the proximal metacarpal bone

The purpose of this study is to describe the harvesting technique, anatomic variations, and clinical applications of a compound flap from the great toe and vascularized joint from the second toe used for thumb reconstruction. Five fresh cadaver dissections were studied, focusing attention on the dorsal or plantar vascular dominance, position of the communicating branch between the dorsal and plantar system, the Gilbert classification, and the size of the first dorsal metatarsal artery (FDMA) and first plantar metatarsal artery (FPMA) to the great toe and second toe. Five compound flaps were performed on five patients with traumatic thumb amputation at the level of proximal metacarpal bone. The patients' ages ranged from 14 to 47. Follow‐up period was 11–24 months. The anatomic study showed that FPMA had larger caliber in 40% of dissections, FDMA in 40%, and had the same caliber in 20%. The Gilbert classification of FDMA was 40% class I and 60% class III. In the clinical applications, four patients achieved good functional opposition and motion of transferred joints with good pinch and grip strength. There was one flap failure, and donor‐site morbidity was minimal. The compound flap offers advantages over traditional toe transfer by providing two functional joints. It can be used for amputation of the thumb at carpometacarpal joint level. Finally, the compound flap maintains growth potential in children through transfer of vascularized epiphyses. The disadvantages of this compound flap include a technically challenging harvest and a longer operative time. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.     

逆行第一跖背动脉岛状皮瓣修复(足母)趾腓侧游离皮瓣供区创面

目的应用逆行第1跖背动脉岛状皮瓣修复趾腓侧游离皮瓣的供区,为减少显微外科供区损伤提供新方法。方法2000年2月至2004年6月,对12例拇指及其他手指软组织缺损,采用趾腓侧游离皮瓣移植修复。根据第1跖背动脉和跖底动脉在跖趾关节处存在恒定的交通支的解剖学基础,切取逆行第1跖背动脉岛状皮瓣修复趾供区创面,足背供区直接缝合。结果12例趾腓侧游离皮瓣和逆行第1跖背动脉岛状皮瓣移植全部成活,平均随访10个月,皮瓣外观和功能恢复良好。趾腓侧游离皮瓣平均两点辨别觉为6mm,逆行第1跖背动脉皮瓣为10mm。结论在趾腓侧游离皮瓣移植修复拇指或其他手指软组织损伤的同时,应用逆行第1跖背动脉岛状皮瓣完善修复趾供区创面,达到了＂双赢＂的手术目的。     

桡动脉腕背分支为蒂的手背逆行岛状筋膜皮瓣的临床应用

目的探讨手背部桡动脉腕背分支为蒂的三种逆行岛状筋膜皮瓣的手术方法及临床应用。方法桡动脉在腕背鼻烟窝穿出,与尺动脉掌深弓吻合之前,发出腕背皮支、第1掌背动脉、拇指背侧支以三支动脉为蒂,形成逆行鼻烟窝皮瓣、第1掌背动脉皮瓣、拇指背侧动脉皮瓣,修复虎口挛缩和指、示指、腕掌、腕背侧皮肤缺损。结果切取桡动脉腕背皮支逆行岛状皮瓣13例,修复拇指、虎口、指、腕掌、腕背组织损伤及缺损。术后随访皮瓣外形及手功能恢复效果满意。结论桡动脉腕背分支行岛状筋膜皮瓣血运好,质地柔软,切取方便,不牺牲主要动脉,是修复手部皮肤缺损的一种简单安全、损伤小的方法。