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.     

第一掌骨背侧血管蒂岛状皮瓣的应用解剖

目的研究第一掌骨背侧４种血管蒂岛状皮瓣的应用解剖学基础。方法对３２只新鲜尸手标本,分别行血管染料灌注、血管造影、透明标本后,进行显微解剖学观察。结果（１）桡动脉腕背支、拇指桡侧指背动脉、第一掌背动脉的拇指尺侧支、拇指桡掌侧动脉掌指关节周围支、拇主要动脉分出的拇指尺侧指背动脉等５支血管,共同构成第一掌骨背面区域筋膜层的血管网;并与拇指背皮神经呈节段性伴行。（２）供区内有２条同行浅静脉干,存在静脉瓣膜。结论该供区可设计成拇指桡侧指背动脉、拇指桡侧血管筋膜蒂、拇指尺侧指背动脉筋膜蒂和拇指背皮神经伴行血管蒂等４种类型的岛状皮瓣,可顺行或逆行移位修复创面。     

Dorsal branches of superficial radial nerve: an anatomic study with potential clinical applications

An anatomical study was performed to assess the course of the dorsal branches of superficial radial nerve and to investigate potential clinical applications in hand surgery. Eight upper extremities were dissected, using an operating microscope. All branching points of the superficial radial nerve were noted and the distances from the radial styloid process were recorded. Their proximity to neighboring vascular structures was noted. The superficial branches of the radial nerve can vascularize axial neurofasciocutaneous flaps via their paraneural arterial network. In addition, various reverse neurofasciocutaneous flaps may be harvested, based on dorsal branches of the superficial radial nerve. The nerve can be anastomosed with a suitable nerve in the recipient area. The dorsal branches of the superficial radial nerve can easily be added to the reverse first dorsal metacarpal artery flap and other reverse dorsal metacarpal artery flaps, thus making it possible to form a sensate flap. These branches may be anastomosed with nerves in the recipient site, such as dorsal branches of digital nerve stump, without significant donor site morbidity. A free sensate first dorsal artery flap can be prepared with a combination of dorsal branches of the superficial radial nerve and used with the same indications as a free digital artery flap. It has some advantages over the free digital artery flap, because the main neurovascular structures of the finger are kept intact. Finally, a dorsal nerve branch which accompanies the first dorsal metacarpal artery may be harvested with this artery and a subcutaneous dorsal vein as vascularized nerve graft. It can be used to repair a digital nerve defect in dense scar tissue. Received: 3 January 2000     

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.     

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。     

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.     

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.     

第一掌骨背逆行筋膜皮瓣修复拇指皮肤缺损

目的介绍一种修复拇指皮肤缺损的新型逆行筋膜皮瓣。方法取１０只新鲜尸体手，从桡动脉灌注红色乳胶，对第一掌骨背及拇指指背软组织的血管进行显微解剖，根据其血管分布设计成第一掌骨背逆行筋膜皮瓣。自甲根部桡侧缘至第一掌骨同侧背侧缘的连线为轴心线，其蒂部宜设在拇指指间关节近侧１ｃｍ以近的轴心线上。结果第一掌骨背及拇指指背软组织的血供主要由拇指两条指掌侧固有动脉向指背侧发出的分支，在指背筋膜内与两侧指背动脉及桡神经浅支伴行血管（桡、尺侧各２条）形成的血管网提供。１９９６年２月～１９９７年９月，临床应用该皮瓣修复拇指皮肤缺损６例，皮瓣全部成活。结论第一掌骨背及拇指指背软组织血供丰富，可形成第一掌骨背逆行筋膜皮瓣。该皮瓣设计合理、血供可靠、操作简便，适用于修复拇指，尤其是拇指桡侧皮肤的缺损     

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.     

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.     

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.     

The dorsoradial flap: a new flap for hand reconstruction. Anatomical study and clinical applications

The authors report a new cutaneous flap harvested from the dorsal and distal quarter of the forearm: the dorsoradial flap. The vascularisation type of the cutaneous paddle belongs this flap to the anterograde and axial family flaps. The anatomical study carried out on thirty six fresh cadaver upper arms showed a constant and a consistent cutaneous collateral branch of the radial artery which arises at the apex of the first intermetacarpal space. Two anatomical types were recorded according to the origin of the dorsoradial artery: type I (84% of cases), the vessel arises directly from the radial artery; type II (16% of cases), it arises from a common trunk with the first dorsal intermetacarpal artery. Those anatomical findings does not influence the flap operative technique, the flap design and the location of the pedicle pivot point. The dorsoradial artery emerges vertically from the apex of the first intermetacarpal space, crosses the angle between the extensor pollicis longus tendon laterally and the extensor carpi radialis longus tendon medially and turns proximally towards the distal radio-ulnar joint. Over the dorsal aspect of the wrist, the dorsoradial artery enters the subcutaneous tissue, runs parallel to the extensor pollicis longus tendon at three millimeters in a medial position, passes over the medial collateral branch of the superficial radial nerve and irrigates all the distal and dorsal quarter of the forearm. The artery is consistently accompanied by two comitantes veins, which assume the venous drainage of the cutaneous territory. The flap paddle is designed over the distal dorsal forearm quarter, between the dorsal crease of the wrist distally, the ulnar crest medially and the radial crest laterally. All this skin territory can be harvested and supplied by the dorsoradial pedicle, but we always should deal with the needs of the defects reconstruction and the morbidity of the donor site. The vascular pedicle is outlined between the distal radio-ulnar joint and the apex of the first intermetacarpal space with a minimum of one centimeter width. The surgical procedure is carried out under a tourniquet without an upper arm exsanguination. The skin is firstly dissected over the vascular pedicle through an S shape incision; it is lifted on the dermo-hypodermis plan preserving all the superficial venous network with the pedicle. The flap is elevated from proximal to distal including the dorsal forearm fascia. Over the dorsal extensor retinaculum, the dissection is underwent close to it elevating all the subcutaneous tissues. The medial collateral branch of the superficial radial nerve should be identified and respected. At the distal border of the dorsal retinaculum, the extensor pollicis longus and the extensor carpi radialis longus tendons are identified and retracted. The pedicle dissection goes deeper between this two tendons towards the first web space. It takes all the areolar tissue around the pedicle in order to preserve the venous network of the cutaneous paddle. The donor site is closed primarily if the skin width does not exceed 3 cm or grafted secondarily. Its large rotational arc allows the cutaneous paddle to cover the dorsal hand and metacarpo-phalangeal long fingers defects, the dorsal aspect of the thumb and the first intermetacarpal space. It can also safely reach the palmar aspect of the wrist. We report four clinical cases where the dorsoradial flap was successfully applied. This preliminary clinical experience exhibits the vascular network reliability and the operative technique simplicity of this new cutaneous flap. We believe that it should be added to the armamentarium of the reconstructive hand surgeon and considered as a useful tool for soft tissue hand and thumb reconstruction defects.     

急诊修复拇指指腹缺损三种方法的研究

目的 报道采用不同方法急诊修复拇指指腹缺损的疗效。方法 采用示指背侧岛状皮瓣，拇指桡侧指动脉逆行岛状皮瓣转位有趾腹皮瓣游离移植三种方法，为21例线指指腹缺损进行急诊修复。结果 20例以瓣成活，1例失败。术后随访半年－2年，平均10个月。所有皮瓣血运，弹性，质地均良好。指腹二点分辨觉：示指背侧岛状皮瓣平均为92.mm，拇指桡侧动脉逆行岛状皮瓣平均为8mm，趾腹皮瓣平均为5.6mm。结论 急诊修复拇指指腹缺损首选趾腹皮瓣，其次为拇指桡侧指动脉逆行岛状皮瓣或示指背侧岛状皮瓣。     

拇趾甲皮瓣及尺动脉腕上皮支下行支皮瓣瓦合并髂骨植骨再造拇指末节缺损

目的探讨拇趾甲皮瓣及尺动脉腕上皮支下行支皮瓣瓦合并髂骨植骨再造拇指末节缺损的临床疗效。方法对7例拇指末节缺损患者分别采用吻合血管拇趾甲皮瓣修复拇指背侧皮肤及指甲缺损、尺动脉腕上皮支下行支皮瓣修复拇指末节掌侧皮肤缺损、末节指骨缺损取髂骨移植。拇趾甲皮瓣供区采用游离植皮5例,同侧第2趾胫侧方皮瓣顺行覆盖2例;尺动脉腕上皮支下行支皮瓣供区均直接缝合。结果 7例拇趾甲皮瓣及尺动脉腕上皮支下行支皮瓣均顺利成活,伤口一期愈合。其中1例拇趾甲皮瓣供区植皮出现部分坏死,经换药后愈合。末节植骨愈合时间为8~11周,平均10周。去除内固定物后行规律功能锻炼。所有患者获随访6~15个月,平均8个月,移植组织成活及拇指指甲生长良好,指腹皮瓣两点辨别觉为8~10 mm(平均9 mm);足部供区皮瓣及植皮无破溃,足部功能未受影响。结论采用拇趾甲皮瓣及尺动脉腕上皮支下行支皮瓣瓦合并髂骨植骨再造拇指末节能较好地恢复拇指外形及功能,是一种较好的临床治疗方法。     

第1掌骨背桡侧动脉蒂岛状皮瓣的临床应用

目的探讨第1掌骨背桡侧动脉岛状皮瓣在拇指远端软组织缺损修复中的临床应用。方法应用第1掌骨背桡侧动脉岛状皮瓣修复拇指远端软组织缺损20例。结果本组20例皮瓣全部成活．术后随访3-12个月,拇指外形满意,质地柔软,皮神经修复者两点辨别觉8～12mm。结论第1掌骨背桡侧动脉岛状皮瓣具有操作简便、质地良好、血供可靠、损伤小等优点,是修复拇指远端软组织缺损的较好方法。     

Flap within a first dorsal metacarpal artery flap for recurrent thumb injury

Thumb pulp defects are commonly due to avulsion injuries. It is important to reconstruct these defects using sensate. A very good option for these defects is the islanded first dorsal metacarpal artery flap (FDMA). We present a patient, a carpenter by occupation, who had initial thumb pulp injury which was reconstructed with islanded first dorsal metacarpal artery flap. At 6-month follow-up, he had near normal sensation and two-point discrimination of 2 mm. The same patient represented after 1 year with similar injury to the same reconstructed thumb. This time, VY advancement flap was designed within the remnant of the previous FDMA flap. Flap within a flap is not a new concept. In the present scenario, it worked as a great indigenous solution as it was a simple alternative. It preserved the sensation and avoided the need of other complex reconstructions. The procedure was performed under local anaesthesia, and patient could return to his normal activities within 2 weeks post-op. This is a rare case report of making use of the concept of flap within a flap for recurrent thumb injury which was reconstructed previously with FDMA flap. VY advancement design aided the necessary movement required to cover the defect yet preserving the regained sensation making it a useful tool before embarking upon complex reconstructions.Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.     

Dual innervated index to thumb cross finger or island flap reconstruction

Partial volar amputations of the entire thumb pulp require soft tissue coverage that provides not only padding and protection for exposed bone and tendons, but also restoration of discriminative sensation. A modification of the radial sensory innervated cross finger flap from index to thumb is described, which includes separate reinnervation of the flap by repair of the dorsal sensory branch of the index radial digital nerve to the ulnar digital nerve of thumb. The anatomical basis for this flap is discussed and two example cases presented. Sensory reinnervation is rapid and does not require cortical reorientation.     

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.     

七种轴型血管蒂皮瓣修复手部软组织缺损

目的探讨和总结应用轴型皮瓣修复手部软组织缺损的临床疗效。方法根据手部软组织缺损的不N情况分别采用尺动脉腕上支皮瓣、骨间背动脉逆行岛状皮瓣、前臂皮神经逆行岛状皮瓣、指背筋膜岛状皮瓣、掌背动脉岛状皮瓣、指动脉岛状皮瓣、髂腹股沟皮瓣7种方法进行修复。结果临床应用75例,静脉回流障碍6例,局部血运不良部分坏死3例,经处理皮瓣均成活。随访3～36个月,皮瓣质地、感觉好,手功能恢复满意。结论7种轴型血管蒂皮瓣修复手部软组织缺损疗效满意。     

Antebrachial reverse island flap with pedicle of posterior interosseous artery: a report of 90 cases.

We report our experiences of 90 cases of the reverse antebrachial flap based on the posterior interosseous artery. In 1985, we found a consistent anastomosis (96%) between the posterior interosseous artery and the anterior interosseous artery at the dorsal side of the ulnar head in an anatomical study. From 1985 to 2000, we used this antebrachial flap to repair soft tissue defects of the hands or wrists, the first web space, or to reconstruct thumbs in 90 cases. Only one case suffered flap necrosis. The reverse antebrachial flap on the posterior interosseous artery pedicle has the advantages of good texture and colour, and appropriate thickness compared to the hand. The anastomotic arch which determines the point of rotation is consistent, and the pedicle is long. This flap is reliable for repairing soft tissue defects with or without defects of the nerve, tendon and bone, and also for reconstruction of the first web and thumb. Donor site morbidity is acceptable.