Reconstruction of a neurocutaneous defect of the proximal phalanx with a heterodigital arterialised nerve pedicle flap

BackgroundComplex digital injuries involving soft-tissue loss and digital nerve defect pose a challenging problem for hand surgeons. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of transferring the heterodigital arterialised nerve pedicle flap for reconstructing the digital neurocutaneous defects and to compare the results with those of transferring the cross-finger flap and secondary nerve grafting.MethodsFrom March 2008 to September 2011, the nerve pedicle flap was used in 12 patients who had a combination of soft-tissue and digital nerve defects. The injured fingers included four index, four long, three ring and one little finger. The mean size of the soft-tissue losses was 2.4 × 1.9 cm (range, 2.3 × 1.3 to 3.2 × 2.0 cm). The mean flap size was 2.6 × 2.1 cm (range, 2.5 × 1.5 to 3.4 × 2.2 cm). The length of the nerve defects ranged from 1.5 to 3.8 cm (mean, 2.8 cm). The nerve defect was reconstructed with transfer of the digital nerve dorsal branch. For comparison, we collected a series of 24 patients with similar defects treated with the cross-finger flap and secondary free nerve grafting.ResultsSignificant differences were found between the two groups in static two-point discrimination (p < .01) and pain (p = .03) in the reconstructed finger. In comparison, the study group presented better discriminatory sensation on the finger pulp and lower incidence of pain sensibility in the injured finger. There was no significant difference in cold intolerance and Semmes–Weinstein monofilament. In the study group, the total active motion of the donor fingers was similar to that of the opposite hands.ConclusionsThe heterodigital arterialised nerve pedicle flap is useful and reliable for reconstructing the neurocutaneous defects in the proximal phalanx. Comparable sensory recovery and lower pain incidence can be achieved using our nerve pedicle flap instead of conventional nerve grafting.Type of study/level of evidenceTherapeutic II.     

Repair of multiple finger defects using the dorsal homodigital island flaps

Background

Providing soft-tissue coverage for multiple finger defects remains a challenge for the hand surgeons. This article reports reconstruction of multiple digital defects using the dorsal homodigital island flaps based on the dorsal branch of the digital artery.

Methods

Over 3 years, a retrospective study was conducted with 12 patients who had multiple finger defects treated with the dorsal homodigital island flaps. Our series included nine male and three female patients. There were 30 soft-tissue defects in 30 fingers. The injured fingers included seven index, nine long, nine ring and five little fingers. The average size of soft-tissue defects and flaps was 2.4 ± 0.4 cm × 1.7 ± 0.2 cm and 2.6 ± 0.4 cm × 1.9 ± 0.2 cm, and the mean pedicle length was 1.1 ± 0.2 cm.

Results

Full flap survival was achieved in 26 fingers. Partial distal flap necrosis was noted in four fingers, which healed without surgical intervention. At a median of 20 (range, 19–23) months’ follow-up, the static two-point discrimination on the flap averaged 9.1 ± 1.6 mm, and the median (range) Semmes–Weinstein monofilament score was 3.84 (3.84–4.17). The donor-site morbidity was accepted. According to the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, seven patients were strongly satisfied and five were satisfied with functional recovery of the reconstructed fingers.

Conclusions

The dorsal homodigital island flap, based on the dorsal branch of the digital artery, is less invasive, versatile and technically easy for simultaneous coverage of small-to-moderate defects in multiple fingers.     

Dorsally extended digital island flap for repairing soft tissue injury of the fingertip

Background

The digital triangular island flap is one of the most useful types of flap for repairing soft-tissue loss at the fingertip, because it is sensate and has glabrous skin. However, this type of flap has several disadvantages, including limited length of advancement and limited flap size.

Methods

We have developed a new type of dorsally extended digital island flap to extend the reach of the digital triangular island flap. This dorsally extended portion, 15 mm in width and 20 mm in length, is based on the dorsal branch of the digital artery at the distal phalanx level. This island flap has a longer reach than the conventional digital island flap and can transfer larger amounts of soft tissue to the injured fingertip. Sixteen patients with fingertip amputation were treated using this flap.

Results

All of the flaps survived. The dorsally extended digital island flap could repair pulp tissue losses up to 30 mm in length in oblique volar injury. In transverse injury, a new fingertip could be produced with this flap in a single stage. We successfully covered the exposed bone without shortening the digital bone of the fingertip using our extended flap. No claw nail deformity occurred and no flexion contracture remained in any of the cases.

Conclusion

Use of a dorsally extended digital island flap is recommended for repairing fingertip injury in cases with defect sizes ranging from 10 to 30 mm in length and also in both oblique volar and transverse injuries. This flap is more versatile for repair of fingertip injury than the conventional digital island flap.     

指背侧岛状皮瓣修复手指皮肤缺损

目的探讨带一侧指动脉的指背侧岛状皮瓣修复手部软组织缺损的临床应用价值。方法从1998年起,应用指背侧岛状皮瓣11例,修复手指掌背侧皮肤缺损,范围2.0cm×1.0cm～2.5cm×4cm。结果术后皮瓣全部成活,随诊1～18个月,手指外观不臃肿,色泽质地好,外形满意,供区隐蔽,对供指功能无影响。结论指背侧岛状皮瓣操作相对简便,血供稳定,成活率高,是修复手部缺损的好方法     

A comparison of the bipedicled nerve flap with the Littler flap for reconstructing a neurocutaneous defect of digits

BackgroundComplex digital injuries involving soft-tissue loss and digital nerve defect continues to pose a reconstructive challenge. This study reports the repair of such neurocutaneous defect with the bipedicled nerve flap or the Littler flap and compares the results of the two techniques.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted in 59 patients who had a neurocutaneous defect in the single digit treated with the bipedicled nerve flap or the Littler flap from Jul 2008 to May 2016. The patients were divided into two groups based on which flap was chosen. At the final follow-up, the two groups were compared for static two-point discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament scores on both flap and pulp, and pain, cold intolerance and patient satisfaction of the reconstructed digit.ResultsSignificant differences were found in static two-point discrimination, pain, cold intolerance, and patient satisfaction (p < 0.05). In comparison with the bipedicled flap group, the Littler flap group presented better discriminatory sensation in the flap and pulp, but exhibited higher incidence of pain and cold intolerance in the reconstructed digit. In the donor digits, the bipedicled flap group achieved lower pain incidence. Finally, the bipedicled flap group attained a larger degree of satisfaction than the Littler flap group.ConclusionsWhen reconstructing a complex neurocutaneous defect in the digit, choosing the bipedicled nerve flap rather than the Littler flap attains lower incidence of pain and cold intolerance, and higher patient satisfaction. Our results suggest that repair of the transected digital nerves can reduce neuroma incidence.     

掌背动脉逆行岛状皮瓣修复手指软组织缺损

目的 报道第2、3、4掌背动脉逆行岛状皮瓣修复2～5指近中节软组织缺损的效果.方法从1993年4月至1998年7月,应用掌背动脉逆行岛状皮瓣修复手指软组织缺损7例10指.软组织缺损平均为 2.5cm xl.5cm.其中1例因合并指骨缺损行带掌骨复合组织移植.结果经半年～6年的随访,皮瓣全部成活,供区植皮全部生长愈合,手指外形良好.结论此皮瓣质地好,血供恒定,适宜于修复手指近中节软组织缺损.     

Direct and reversed dorsal digital island flaps: A review of 65 cases

BackgroundReconstruction of soft tissue defects in fingers continues to be a challenging problem. The purpose of this study is to report the reconstruction of small-to-moderate defects of fingers with dorsal digital island flap (DDIF) and to evaluate the efficacy of use of the flap.MethodsOver last six years, a retrospective study was conducted with 65 patients who had soft tissue defects of fingers treated with the DDIF. Sixty-nine soft-tissue defects were found in 69 fingers in 65 patients. Based on the flow direction of blood supply, the patients were divided into two groups: the direct (n = 35) and reversed (n = 30) DDIF groups. In addition, based on the different donor sites, the direct DDIF group was divided into two subgroups: the proximal phalangeal direct DDIF subgroup (n = 16) and the extended pedicle direct DDIF subgroup (n = 19). The main outcomes were static 2-point discrimination and Semmes–Weinstein monofilament scores of flap and joint motion.ResultsAt the final follow-up, the mean static two-point discrimination of the flaps was 9.7 mm (range, 8 to 12 mm) in the proximal phalangeal direct DDIF subgroup and 8.3 mm (range, 7 to 11 mm) in the extended pedicle direct DDIF subgroup, with a significant difference (p = 0.005). In the direct DDIF group, there was no significant difference in total active motion between the donor fingers and the opposite sides. In the reversed DDIF group, the mean total active motion of the donor fingers was 170° and the data of the opposite sides was 181°, with a significant difference (p = 0.024). Maximum amplitude losses of 15° were seen in 12% of patients in the distal interphalangeal joint.ConclusionsThe DDIF is reliable and technically easy for reconstructing small-to-moderate defects of fingers. The extended pedicle direct DDIF may be an optional solution when sensory reconstruction is needed.     

远端蒂指背皮神经营养血管皮瓣修复指腹创伤缺损

目的介绍应用指背皮神经营养血管皮瓣修复指腹创伤缺损的临床经验,并探讨改善静脉回流的方法。方法自2004年3月至2005年10月,共急诊应用远端蒂指背皮神经营养血管皮瓣,修复指腹创面大于2 cm者18例。旋转轴点在近侧指间关节(PIP)平面以近0．5 cm,皮瓣面积2 cm×2 cm～3 cm×4 cm,皮神经筋膜蒂长2～3 cm。均将指背皮神经与指固有神经吻接,并在旋转点远侧1 cm处结扎指背浅静脉。结果术后皮瓣均有不同程度的静脉淤血肿胀,8例皮瓣出现张力水泡。13例随访超过6个月,皮瓣恢复保护性感觉。结论指背皮神经营养血管皮瓣修复指腹创伤缺损,方法简单,成活可靠。在蒂部远侧结扎指背浅静脉干阻断倒灌和在末端旷置敞开,均能改善静脉回流,减轻皮瓣肿胀。     

逆行岛状皮瓣联合局部皮瓣修复示指软组织缺损

目的:评价利用指动脉或第一掌背动脉为轴型血管的逆行岛状皮瓣修复示指软组织缺损,并利用局部皮瓣修复次生创面的术式特点。方法:根据示指创面位置,近侧指间关节以远创面利用以指动脉为轴型血管的逆行岛状皮瓣修复,近侧指间关节(含关节)以近者利用第一掌背动脉,供瓣区利用局部易位皮瓣修复。结果:临床应用15例,利用指动脉者7例,利用掌背动脉者8例,除1例轴型皮瓣术后部分坏死再次清创缝合外,余皮瓣均一期愈合。结论:灵活应用指动脉或第一掌背动脉为轴型血管的逆行岛状皮瓣修复示指软组织缺损,并利用局部皮瓣修复次生创面,这一术式有效果可靠、操作方便、手术次数少等特点。     

Bilaterally innervated dorsal digital flap for sensory reconstruction of digits

BackgroundProviding sensory coverage in digits continues to be a challenging problem. This study reports the sensory reconstruction of digits with bilaterally innervated dorsal digital flaps and compares the results between dual- and single-innervated flaps.MethodsOver 7 years, a retrospective study was conducted with 73 patients who had soft-tissue defect of the digit treated with the bilaterally innervated dorsal digital flap. There were 73 soft-tissue defects in 73 digits. The size of the defects ranged from 1.8 to 2.7 cm in length (mean, 2.2 cm) and from 1.6 to 2.2 cm in width (mean, 1.9 cm). The bilateral dorsal branches of the digital nerves were attached with the flap for the sensory reconstruction of digits. Reconstructive techniques included the cross-finger flap in 35 cases, the dorsal digital island flap in 24 cases, and the dorsal digital free flap in 14 cases. To objectively evaluate the efficacy of the bilaterally innervated flaps, we selected a comparison group that included 42 patients treated with the single-innervated flap.ResultsA significant difference was found between the dual- and single-innervated flaps in two-point discrimination, pain, Tinel's sign, and patient satisfaction results. By comparison, the dual-innervated flap presented better discriminatory sensation on the flap, lower incidence of pain and Tinel's sign, and a larger degree of satisfaction than the single-innervated flap. Of the dual-innervated flap group, the mean joint motion of the donor finger was similar to that of the opposite side.ConclusionsThe bilaterally innervated dorsal digital flap is a reliable alternative for the sensory reconstruction of digits. Performing double neurorrhaphies can improve flap sensation and reduce digital neuroma incidence when reconstructing a soft-tissue defect associated with both transected digital nerves.     

骨间后动脉前臂背侧逆行岛状皮瓣修复手部软组织缺损

报道8例骨间后动脉前臂逆行岛状皮瓣修复手部软组织缺损,证明该皮瓣血管恒定,皮支丰富,血运好,面积大,移动性好,皮瓣质地好,厚薄适中,修复手部肤色基本相同。本法操作简便,成功率高,又不牺牲前臂的主要动脉,是一种理想而又易于开展的新术式。     

前臂外侧皮神经的血供特点与皮神经营养血管皮瓣的设计

目的：为临床设计带外侧皮神经营养血管筋膜皮瓣提供依据。方法：用显微解剖测量法、标本透明法研究前臂外侧皮神经外科解剖与头静脉的关系以及其神经血管皮肤穿支的位置、长度、对皮神经的营养形式等。结果：前臂外侧皮神经共有４支神经血管皮肤穿支,其全程由神经旁血管和主要动脉共同营养。前臂外侧皮神经前支与头静脉紧密伴行。结论：顺沿头静脉,可切取带外侧皮神经营养血管筋膜蒂或血管神经蒂岛状皮瓣,用于修复肘部、前臂远端１／３段和腕部等部位软组织缺损。     

游离指固有动脉背侧支皮瓣修复指腹缺损

目的 报告应用指固有动脉背侧支皮瓣游离移植修复指腹缺损的手术方法和临床效果.方法 对6例6指指腹缺损的患者,采用指固有动脉背侧支皮瓣游离移植修复,皮瓣切取面积为1.0cm×1.0cm～2.0 6m×2.5 cm,供区为患指或邻指的近节桡背或尺背侧,供区全部采用全厚皮片植皮.结果 术后6例皮瓣全部存活,随访时间6～18个月,平均12个月,皮瓣质地、外形满意,手指功能恢复优良,远指间关节活动度为0°～60°,皮瓣两点分辨觉为6～11mm.皮瓣供区创面Ⅰ期愈合,远期随访植皮区耐磨,无破溃发生,供区指体活动未受影响.结论 应用游离指固有动脉背侧支皮瓣修复指腹缺损,手术操作相对简单,修复后指腹饱满、外形逼真并具有感觉,是一种理想的手术方法.     

骨间后动脉前臂背侧逆行岛状皮瓣修复手部软组织缺损

报道８例骨间后动脉前臂逆行岛状皮瓣修复手部软组织缺损，证明该皮瓣血管恒定，皮支丰富，血运好，面积大，移动性好，皮瓣质地好，厚薄适中，修复手部肤色基本相同。本法操作简便，成功率高，又不牺牲前臂的主要动脉，是一种理想而又易于开展的新术式。     

皮神经营养血管(丛)指背逆行岛状皮瓣的临床应用

目的 报道应用带皮神经营养血管(丛)的指背逆行岛状皮瓣修复指腹、指端侧方缺损及末节截指伤的临床效果。方法 根据手指损伤的部位、形状、面积设计带皮神经营养血管(丛)指背逆行岛状皮瓣修复19例手指损伤创面。结果 皮瓣全部成活，其中1例在术后36小时出现静脉危象，经皮缘拆线，伤口局部滴肝素钠等处理，4天后皮瓣颜色红润，肿胀消退。术后3～12个月随访皮瓣质地优良。外形与功能恢复满意。结论 该手术方法操作简单、安全可靠，是修复手指创面的较理想皮瓣。     

Reversed dorsal metatarsal artery flap for reconstruction of a soft tissue defect of the big toe

Soft tissue defects of the great toe that include exposed tendon and bone present a reconstructive challenge for plastic surgeons. A distally based dorsalis pedis island flap based on the first dorsal metatarsal artery, which has been successfully used to cover the soft tissue defect following wide excision of melanoma of the big toe, is reported     

手背尺侧逆行岛状皮瓣修复小指近中节皮肤缺损

目的探讨以尺动脉腕背支为轴心血管的逆行岛状皮瓣修复小指近中节皮肤软组织缺损的临床疗效。方法对2015年4月-2019年5月收治的14例小指近中节皮肤软组织缺损患者,采用以尺动脉腕背支为轴心血管,第5掌骨头颈处为旋转点的逆行岛状皮瓣进行修复,皮瓣供区游离植皮。结果术后皮瓣及植皮均顺利成活,创面均Ⅰ期愈合。随访3~12个月,平均6个月,皮瓣色泽、质地、感觉、外形良好。结论以尺动脉腕背支为轴心血管,第5掌骨头颈处为旋转点的逆行岛状皮瓣修复小指近中节皮肤软组织缺损,手术操作简单,损伤较小,皮瓣成活率高,适宜推广应用。     

腓动脉穿支蒂腓浅神经营养血管皮瓣修复足踝部软组织缺损

目的 探讨腓动脉穿支为蒂的腓浅神经营养血管皮瓣移植修复足踝部软组织缺损的临床疗效.方法 自2007年以来,我院采用腓动脉穿支为蒂的腓浅神经营养血管皮瓣对17例足踝部创面进行修复.结果 17例皮瓣中,15例顺利成活;1例发生肿胀、静脉瘀滞,持续2个月后消退,成活;1例远端坏死,经换药后愈合.修复后的足踝外形及功能良好.结论 采用腓动脉穿支为蒂的腓浅神经营养血管皮瓣移植修复足踝部软组织缺损是一种可靠的、疗效满意的术式.     

Innervated reverse dorsal digital island flap for fingertip reconstruction

PURPOSE: Various methods of fingertip reconstruction with a sensory flap have been reported. Digital island flaps or cross-finger flaps have to be used for large defects; however, the digital artery is sacrificed when creating conventional homodigital island flaps and 2 surgeries are required for the cross-finger flap. We describe our experience with an innervated reverse dorsal digital island flap that does not require sacrifice of the digital artery. METHODS: We used innervated reverse dorsal digital flaps for fingertip reconstruction in 8 patients. The flap was supplied by the vascular network between the dorsal digital artery (the terminal branch of the dorsal metacarpal artery) and the dorsal branch of the digital artery. Venous drainage was through the cutaneous veins and the venous network associated with the dorsal arterial network. The flap was designed on either the dorsal proximal or the dorsal middle phalangeal region. The flap was harvested with the dorsal branch of the digital nerve (for the dorsal middle phalanx), the dorsal digital nerve (for the dorsal proximal phalanx), or the superficial branch of the radial nerve (for the thumb), which was anastomosed to the distal end of the digital nerve. After flap transfer the donor site was covered with a full-thickness skin graft. RESULTS: Of the 8 flaps, 6 survived completely, 1 had partial epithelial skin necrosis, and 1 showed central compression skin necrosis. Three flaps showed congestive changes from the first to the fifth day after surgery, which resolved by massage. All patients achieved satisfactory recovery of sensation; the static 2-point discrimination ranged from 3 mm to 5 mm and the Semmes-Weinstein test results ranged from 0.036 g to 0.745 g. CONCLUSIONS: The innervated reverse dorsal digital island flap provides another option for homodigital tip coverage. The advantages are that the digital artery is not sacrificed and only 1 surgery is needed. A disadvantage is the potential for venous congestion for the first 4 or 5 days after surgery.