[Functional reconstruction of the hand after electrical injury with a composite flap of the vessel nerve and fascia].

OBJECTIVE

In the case of electrical injury of the wrist, it may be necessary to transplant a long tendon, nerve and vessel for functional reconstruction. But the fibrosis of the recipient bed often makes the survival and functioning of the grafts difficult. This clinical study was to solve the problem.

METHODS

A composite flap was designed consisting of the small saphenous vein, the sural nerve and the fascia of the lower-leg. The small saphenous vein and the nerve were transplanted to repair the defects of the radial or ulnar artery and the media nerve. The fascia was used to reconstruct the recipient bed for tendon grafting.

RESULTS

Six cases were treated with this method with success in 5 cases. 5 to 18 months' follow-up revealed restoration of sensation and finger flexion in the 5 cases.

CONCLUSION

This method is effective in alleviating tendon adhesion, accelerating functional restoration of the injured hand.