Summary
Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of finger pulp reconstruction
using arterialised venous flaps from forearm and compare the outcomes of arterialised
venous sensate flap and insensate flap.
Methods
Twenty-seven arterialised venous flaps were reviewed retrospectively in the reconstruction
of finger pulp defects in 23 patients, including 15 sensate flaps (sensate group)
and 12 insensate flaps (insensate group). Nine flaps in this series were harvested
from the dorsal aspect of the forearm and the other 18 were harvested from the volar
aspect. Standardised assessment of outcomes in terms of objective sensory recovery,
pinch power of the reconstructed digits, cold intolerance and time of returning to
work was completed.
Results
All flaps survived completely. Twenty-six flaps were available for follow-up of more
than 9 months (mean, 15.4 months). Almost all the flaps in the sensate group obtained
normal sensation, while most cases of the insensate group only achieved protective
sensation. Cold intolerance was present in most cases of the insensate group in comparison
with the sensate group with only one case suffering from slight cold intolerance.
There was no significant difference of pinch power between the two groups. All the
patients were contented with the aesthetic outcomes of the surgery.
Conclusion
The arterialised venous sensate flap from forearm is a practical alternative for finger
pulp reconstruction with satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes. The forearm
region can be an acceptable donor site for arterialised venous sensate flap in the
reconstruction of larger finger pulp defect.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 14, 2012
Accepted:
March 26,
2012
Received:
October 29,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
