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Abstract
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to present the results after functional reconstruction of the digits using palmaris longus tendocutaneous arterialized venous free flap in digits with compound defects.
Methods:
This study is based on 29 cases of palmaris longus tendocutaneous arterialized venous free flaps harvested from the ipsilateral wrist for the reconstruction of compound defect of the digits. Over the past 10 years, we performed in 17 cases of complex defects of extensor tendon on dorsum of the digits, 7 cases of collateral ligament of the proximal or distal interphalangeal joint and 5 cases of flexor tendon defect with soft tissue defect on the palmar aspect of the digits. We assessed survival rate of the flaps and functional recovery of the digits.
Results:
All free flaps completely survived except one with completele necrosis and another one with 50% necrosis. In cases of extensor tendon defect, the mean total active range of motion of the digits was 180°, in cases of flexor tendon reconstruction, it was 165°. In reconstruction of collateral ligament of interphalangeal joint of the thumb and digits, flexion and extension was within normal range and we got very good results without instability in all 7 cases.
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Fig. 1.
(A) Preoperative view of a compound defect on the volar aspect of the right index finger. (B) Flap design on the ipsilateral volar aspect of the distal forearm. (C, D) Dissected compound venous flap about 5.5×2 cm including the palmaris longus tendon and three veins (two blue arrows, efferent veins; red arrow, afferent vein; white arrow, palmaris longus tendon). (E) Repaired flexor tendon graft in zone I and II using a multiple ‘figure of 8’ technique. (F) Two dorsal veins were anastomosed. (G-J) Postoperative appearance 14 months later.
Fig. 2.
(A, B) Preoperative view of a compound defect on the dorsal aspect of the left long finger. (C, D) Flap design on the ipsilateral volar aspect of the distal forearm and dissected compound venous flap about 1.5×5 cm including the palmaris longus tendon and three veins (two blue arrows, efferent veins; red arrow, afferent vein). (E, F) Repaired extensor tendon and skin suture after microanastomosis of afferent and efferent veins. (G, H) Postoperative appearance of donor site and flap contour 12 months later. (I-L) Postoperative views of active motion of the long finger.
Fig. 3.
(A, B) Preoperative view of a compound defect on the ulanr side of distal interphalangeal joint of the left ring finger. (C, D) Flap design on the ipsilateral volar aspect of the distal forearm and dissected compound venous flap about 3×3 cm including the palmaris longus tendon and three veins (two blue arrows, efferent veins; red arrow, afferent vein). (E, F) Preoperative X-ray shows intraarticular fracture with difference of joint gap of distal interphalangeal joint. Postoperative radiography shows bone anchoring with micro screw with a little bulky soft tissue shadow. (G) Tendon anchoring with Mitek on distal and middle phalangeal bone. (H) Postoperative appearance of very strong stability against stress. (I-L) Postoperative appearance, 28 months later.
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