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.     

Reconstruction of a soft tissue defect in the finger using the heterodigital neurocutaneous island flap

Background

This article describes reconstruction of a soft tissue defect in the finger using the heterodigital neurocutaneous island flap and reports the results of the use of the flap.

Methods

From February of 2008 to March of 2011, the neurocutaneous island flap was used in 12 patients with soft tissue defects in the middle phalanx or the proximal interphalangeal joint, or both. The injured fingers included 4 index, 3 middle, 3 ring and 2 little fingers. The donor fingers included 7 middle fingers and 5 ring fingers. The mean size of soft tissue defects and the flaps was 2.4 cm × 1.8 cm and 2.7 cm × 2.0 cm, respectively. The mean pedicle length was 2.8 cm.

Results

Full flap survival was achieved in 11 cases. Partial distal flap necrosis was noted in one case, which healed without surgical intervention. At a mean follow-up of 22 months, the mean static 2-point discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament scores on the flap were 8.3 mm and 3.94, respectively. Based on the modified American Society for Surgery of the Hand guidelines for stratification of 2-point discrimination, 10 (83%) of 12 flaps achieved good results. According to the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, 5 patients were strongly satisfied and 7 were satisfied with functional recovery of the reconstructed finger.

Conclusions

The neurocutaneous island flap of the dorsal branch of the digital nerve is useful, reliable, and technically easy for reconstructing a defect in the adjacent fingers, especially when sensory reconstruction is needed.     

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     

掌、指背侧皮瓣修复同指皮肤缺损解剖基础及临床应用

目的介绍修复手指皮肤缺损的同指供区掌、指背侧逆行筋膜蒂岛状皮瓣。方法以掌骨头、近节或中节手指中点为旋转点,分别于掌、指背侧切取岛状筋膜蒂皮瓣,逆行转移修复36个同指皮肤缺损。皮瓣面积1cm×2.5cm～1.4cm×3.5cm。结果随访3个月～1年。皮瓣全部成活。结论该皮瓣操作简单、不损伤指固有动脉及神经,血供可靠,可一期修复手指不同部位皮肤缺损。     

同指双侧指动脉顺行岛状皮瓣修复指端缺损

目的总结双侧指动脉顺行岛状皮瓣修复指端缺损的临床疗效。方法2010年12月-2012年8月,采用双侧指动脉顺行岛状皮瓣修复指端软组织缺损13例,面积最大为22mm×25mm,最小为12mm×18mm。结果13例皮瓣全部成活,伤口愈合良好。术后随访3-12个月,皮瓣外形满意、质地柔软、弹性良好．两点辨别觉达6～8mm,手功能TAM法评定：优12例,良1例,优良率100％。结论该手术方法操作简便、安全,术后效果满意,是修复指端缺损较为理想的方法。     

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.     

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.     

掌背动脉筋膜瓣修复手指背侧组织缺损

目的 报道应用带掌背动脉的筋膜瓣加游离植皮修复手指背侧组织缺损的临床疗效.方法 2003年12月-2009年12月共治疗手指背侧组织缺损36例,根据手指指背软组织缺损情况,分别采用了顺行带掌背动脉筋膜瓣（10例）、逆行带掌背动脉筋膜瓣（20例）和U-I型掌背动脉筋膜瓣（6例）进行修复.筋膜瓣面积：1.2cm×2.1cm～2.5cm×4.5cm.结果 36例筋膜瓣加植皮区全部成活,术后随访1～12个月,平均6个月,其中31例外形和功能恢复较为满意（86 %）,5例不满意（14%）.结论 选用带掌背动脉筋膜瓣加游离植皮修复手指背侧组织缺损,具有手术操作相对简便,对供区影响小,外形良好,不损伤指固有动脉及神经等优点,可一、二期修复手指背侧不同部位的皮肤缺损.     

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.     

指动脉背侧支逆行岛状皮瓣修复手指皮肤缺损

目的利用指固有动脉背侧支与掌背动脉的终末支形成的指背动脉网,设计指固有动脉背侧支逆行岛状皮瓣修复手指皮肤缺损。方法分别以近节及中节手指指固有动脉背侧支为蒂,逆行切取掌背及指背皮瓣35例43指,修复位于近位指间关节或以远的皮肤缺损,对伴有骨、关节、肌腱等损伤者,同时修复骨关节及肌腱等损伤。皮瓣最大切取面积1.5cm×3.5cm。结果随访3～12个月,皮瓣全部成活,皮瓣两点辨别觉8～10mm,指间关节功能好。结论该皮瓣具有操作简单、不损伤指固有动脉及神经、血管蒂长、旋转弧大、成功率高等优点,是修复手指皮肤缺损的一种简单易行的方法。     

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.     

指动脉背侧支为蒂逆行岛状皮瓣修复手指端与指背皮肤缺损

目的探讨以指动脉背侧支为蒂逆行岛状皮瓣修复手指端、指背皮肤缺损的临床效果。方法以近节、中节指动脉背侧支为蒂逆行切取指背皮瓣17例，修复指远节指甲、指背皮肤缺损。结果皮瓣全部成活，手指功能、外形治疗效果满意。结论指动脉背侧支逆行皮瓣修复手指端、指背皮肤缺损可取得满意疗效。     

第一掌背动脉逆行筋膜皮瓣修复示指软组织缺损

目的 介绍一种新型逆行筋膜皮瓣修复示指皮肤缺损。方法 我院于1997～2003年，采用第一掌背动脉逆行筋膜皮瓣修复示指皮肤缺损9例，该皮瓣以第一掌背动脉在第二掌骨背侧的纵轴为轴线，以筋膜为蒂，蒂部设计在皮瓣的远侧，供血动脉为示指桡侧指动脉。结果 皮瓣全部成活，随访半年以上5例，修复后指腹两点辨别觉为6mm～11mm(平均7．9mm)，外形满意，患均恢复原工作。结论 切取第一掌背动脉逆行岛状筋膜皮瓣修复示指皮肤缺损安全可行，是修复示指皮肤大面积缺损的较理想方法。     

指背血管蒂岛状皮瓣修复拇指组织缺损

目的 探讨拇指组织缺损的修复方法。方法 利用8具尸体16只手进行解剖学研究，观察了拇指背动脉、第1掌背动脉及食指桡侧指背动脉。临床上分别以拇指背动脉、示指桡侧指背动脉为蒂于手背侧设计岛状皮瓣进行应用。结果 拇指背动脉外径0．24～0．46mm，平均0．37mm，示指桡侧指背动脉0．26～0．56mm，平均0．44mm，血管恒定。临床应用拇指背血管蒂逆行皮瓣、示指桡侧指背血管蒂皮瓣修复拇指组织缺损12例；皮瓣带人桡神经指背支形成有感觉皮瓣，效果更满意。结论 以指背血管为蒂的手背侧皮瓣是修复拇指组织缺损的较为理想方法。     

Sensory reconstruction in different regions of the digits: A review of 151 cases

BackgroundSoft tissue defects of the digits are very common in hand trauma and can result in functional disability. The purpose of the study is to introduce the use of several modified and traditional sensate flaps to reconstruct different regions of the digits and to evaluate the efficacy of these techniques.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted with 151 patients who had soft tissue defects of the digits treated with the sensate flaps from February 2005 to March 2014. Based on different regions of the soft tissue defects, the patients in the study were divided into four groups [1]: thumb group treated with the dual-innervated and traditional kite flaps [2]; distal finger group treated with the single- and dual-innervated dorsal digital flaps [3]; proximal finger group treated with the heterodigital neurocutaneous island flap; and [4] awkward region group treated with the Litter flap. The main outcomes were static 2PD and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament scores of the flap, pain and patient satisfaction.ResultsSignificant difference was found between dual-innervated and traditional kite flaps, and between single- and dual-innervated dorsal digital flaps in static 2PD, pain and patient satisfaction (P < 0.05). Double nerve repairs presented better discriminatory sensation on the flap, lower incidence of pain in the injured digit and larger satisfaction degree than single nerve repair.ConclusionsCompared to single-innervated flap, dual-innervated flap exhibited better sensory recovery and lower pain incidence. Being an additional treatment option, Littler flap may be better choice for sensory coverage in some specific situations including border injuries.     

不同术式的指动脉逆行岛状皮瓣修复指腹缺损及术后感觉功能评价

我院自１９９２年到今，采用三种术式的指动脉逆行岛状皮瓣：（１）吻合神经的；（２）不带神经支的；（３）带指神经血管束的；共急诊修复６８例８２指的手指末节指腹缺损。通过术后２年随访，对其感觉功能按英国医学研究会标准作了评价。通过比较认为吻合神经的指动脉蒂逆行岛状皮瓣因其解剖方便，血供可靠，术后感觉功能恢复好等优点而成为急诊修复手指末节指腹缺损的最佳术式。     

(足母)趾趾背皮瓣修复手指指背复合组织缺损

目的探讨（足母）趾皮瓣修复指背复合组织缺损的临床效果。方法根据指背皮肤软组织缺损情况，对18例此类患者采用（足母）趾趾背皮瓣移植修复。通过随访观察手指外形、功能恢复情况，了解临床疗效，总结优缺点。结果随访2-6个月，平均3．6个月。18例皮瓣全部成活，患指外形、功能恢复满意。结论（足母）趾趾背皮瓣具有血管蒂较为恒定，易切取，皮瓣带感觉神经，与手指指背外形、功能相近，且可以携带部分伸肌腱，是修复手指指背复合缺损的较好方法。     

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。     

趾趾背皮瓣修复手指指背复合组织缺损

目的探讨(足母)趾皮瓣修复指背复合组织缺损的临床效果.方法根据指背皮肤软组织缺损情况,对18例此类患者采用(足母)趾趾背皮瓣移植修复.通过随访观察手指外形、功能恢复情况,了解临床疗效,总结优缺点.结果随访2～6个月,平均3.6个月.18例皮瓣全部成活,患指外形、功能恢复满意.结论 (足母)趾趾背皮瓣具有血管蒂较为恒定,易切取,皮瓣带感觉神经,与手指指背外形、功能相近,且可以携带部分伸肌腱,是修复手指指背复合缺损的较好方法.