[Application of island flap pedicled with dorsal cutaneous branches of digital internal artery for skin defect at the same finger].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the therapeutic effect of island flap pedicled with dorsal cutaneous branches of digital internal artery for skin defect at the same finger.

METHODS

From June 2005 to June 2008, 52 fingers in 45 cases with skin defects were treated with island flap pedicled with dorsal cutaneous branches of digital internal artery for skin defect at the same finger.

RESULTS

Partial necrosis happened at the distal end of 4 island flaps. All the other flaps survived completely. The patients were followed up for 4-8 months with satisfactory cosmetic and functional results. The two-points discrimination distance was 6. 0-9.0 mm (average, 7.4 mm) in flaps with nerve anastomosis, and 8-10 mm (average, 9 mm) in flaps without nerve anastomosis. Minor pigmentation occurred in 5 fingers, cicatricial contracture around the skin graft in 4 fingers, and pain in donor site scar in 2 fingers. The hand function was assessed as excellent in 42 fingers, as good in 7 fingers and medium in 3 fingers.

CONCLUSIONS

The main artery will not be sacrificed when the island flap is used. It is ideal for the treatment of finger skin defect.