Abstract
Background
Various surgical techniques contribute to repair distal defects of the fingers, especially the thumb as traumatic loss diminishes or eliminates the thumb prehensile abilities and may affect overall hand function.
Methods
Ten innervated first dorsal metacarpal artery (FDMCA) island flaps were performed and evaluated postoperatively. The function of the thumb and the cosmetic appearance were documented for all patients.
Results
The flap survived with good cosmetic results in all cases. Grasping and pinching activity as well as cortical orientation was achieved for all flaps.
Conclusion
It appears that the FDMCA flap is one of the best solutions for cover of simple or complex skin loss of the thumb. Its technical performance is easy, and it gives durable, sensate, and stable skin cover.
Level of Evidence: Level 4, therapeutic study.
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Makkar, R.M. The innervated first dorsal metacarpal artery island flap for reconstruction of post-traumatic thumb defect. Eur J Plast Surg 35, 881–886 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-012-0719-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-012-0719-x