Objective To provide the anatomic bases for clinical application of the second dorsal metacarpal artery(SDMA) island flap with double pivot points. Methods The origin,branches and distribution of the recurrent cutaneous branch of the SDMA were observed in 30 adult fresh cadaver specimens, which were illustrated with special dye.Eighteen cases of skin defets of the thumb were repaired with the SDMA island flap. The defect locations were the dorsal part in 11 cases and palmar part in 7 cases, including 3 cases of defect in association with long pollical extensor defect and 2 cases of defect in association with dorsal skin defect of proximal finger. The flap area ranged from 2 cm×3 cmto 3 cm×5 cm. Results The appearance of therecurrent cutaneous branch of the SDMA was observed in all cases(100%), which originated 0.5±0.2 cm distant from the distal intersectiones between the SDMA and the index extensor and disappeared 1.2±0.5 cm distant from the proximal metacarpophalangeal joint. The branches of 1.7±0.7 were seen with a longitudinal fan-like distributionforward proximal part on the deep surface of the dorsal superficial vein. The exradius and the length of the recurrent cutaneous branch of the SDMA were 0.3±0.1 mm and 6.5±0.8 mm, respectively. The transplanted flaps survived in all cases and 16 cases were followed up for 8-14 months. The colour and appearance of the skin were satisfactory. The two-point discriminations were 0.9 mm in 3 cases by bridging digital nerve and 1.1 mm in 9 cases by anastomosing dorsal digital nerve; while the two-point discrimination was 13-15 mm in 4 cases without anastomosing nerve. Conclusion The origin,branches and distribution of the recurrent cutaneous branch of the SDMA is constant, which provide a potentially longer pedicle and increase the possibility to rotate the flap and also avoid the donor skin defect of rotation of the flap.
Objective To investigate the procedure and applications ofantegrade and retrograde dorsal metacarpal flaps with cutaneous branches as pedicles in repairing soft tissue defects of wrist and fingers. Methods From 1995 to 2003, we observed that the proximal and distal branches, deriving from the dorsal metacarpal artery, formed a consistent anastomosis arc subdermally. The anastomosis arc was paralleled to the dorsal metacarpal artery. Antegrade and retrograde dorsal metacarpal flaps could be designed using proximal anddistal branches as pedicles. Twenty-seven cases of soft tissue defects were treated by use of dorsal metacarpal flaps with cutaneous branches as pedicles, including 3 cases of defects on dorsum of hand with antegrade flaps, and 24 cases of defects on fingers with retrograde flaps ( index finger:12 cases; middle finger: 6 cases; ring finger: 4 cases; and little finger:2 cases). The dimensions of the antegrade flaps were 2.0 cm×4.0 cm～4.0 cm×6.0 cm, and the dimensions of theretrograde flaps were 2.5 cm×3.5 cm～3.0 cm×7.0 cm.The incision of the donor site was closed directly. Results All flaps survived. After a follow-up of 13 years, the texture and color of the flaps were good, and the shape and function of the donors were normal. Conclusion The antegrade or retrograde flap pedicled with the distal or proximal cutaneous branches of thedorsal metacarpal artery, is an optimal flap in repairing finger or wrist softtissue defects.
Objective To investigate the operative procedure and the clinical results of the island flap based on the vascular chain of the cutaneous branch of dorsal metacarpal artery for repairing finger soft tissue defect. Methods Between January 2008 and March 2012, 28 cases of tissue defect of fingers (32 fingers) were repaired with the island flaps based on the vascular chain of the cutaneous branch of dorsal metacarpal artery. There were 20 males (23 fingers) and 8 females (9 fingers), with an average age of 29.5 years (range, 14-67 years). The injury causes included 14 cases of crush injury, 6 cases of pressing injury, 5 cases of cutting injury, and 3 cases of avulsion injury. The locations included 10 index fingers, 13 long fingers, 6 ring fingers, and 3 little fingers. There were 9 defects of proximal segment, 12 defects of middle segment, and 11 defects of distal segment. The area of defect ranged from 1.0 cm × 0.8 cm to 5.2 cm × 3.5 cm. The disease duration was 1 hour to 15 days. The area of flaps ranged from 1.2 cm × 1.0 cm to 5.5 cm × 3.8 cm. The donors were closed by suture or were repaired with skin graft. Results Tense blister occurred in 3 cases, which was cured after dressing change; the other flaps survived. Wound obtained primary healing. Twenty-five patients (27 fingers) were followed up 6-25 months (mean, 16.8 months). The flaps had soft texture and satisfactory appearance. Two point discrimination was 6-9 mm (mean, 7.7 mm) at 6 months after operation. The total active movement of fingers was 105-230° (mean, 204.6°). The results were excellent in 17 fingers, good in 8 fingers, and fair in 2 fingers with an excellent and good rate of 92.6%. Conclusion The island flap based on the vascular chain of the cutaneous branch of dorsal metacarpal artery has the advantages of the deverting point from the dorsal point to the palm, the extended vessel pedicle, and expanded operation indications, so it is not necessary to cut the dorsal metacarpal artery. It can be used to repair finger tissue defect.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of dorsal metacarpal island flap for treating scar contracture of the finger web. Methods Between June 2009 and December 2010, 10 patients with scar contracture of the finger web were treated. There were 6 males and 4 females with an average age of 30 years (range, 14-57 years). Scar contracture was caused byinjury in 8 cases, by burn in 1 case, and by operation in 1 case. The locations were the 1st web space in 1 case, the 2nd web space in 3 cases, the 3rd web space in 5 cases, and the 4th web space in 1 case. The disease duration was 3 to 9 months with an average of 5 months. The maximum abduction was 10-20°. After web space scar release, the dorsal metacarpal island flap (3.5 cm × 1.2 cm-4.0 cm × 2.0 cm in size) was used to reconstruct web space (2.0 cm × 1.0 cm-3.0 cm × 1.8 cm in size). The donor site was directly sutured or repaired with local flaps. Results At 2 days after operation, necrosis occurred in 1 flap, which healed by extractive treatment. The other flaps survived and wound healed by first intention; all the flaps at donor sites survived and incision healed by first intention. Ten patients were followed up 6 to 15 months (mean, 9 months). The reconstructed web space had good appearance, the maximum abduction was 80 ° in 1 case of the 1st web space scars contracture, and the maximum abduction was 35-45° (mean, 40°) in the other 9 cases. In 8 scar patients causing by injury, no scar contracture recurred during follow-up. Conclusion It can achieve good results in appearance and function to use dorsal metacarpal island flap for treating scar contracture of the finger web.
Objective To assess the clinical effect of microsurgicaltreatment for bone defect of the first carpometacarpal joint. Methods From February 2001 to August 2004, the pedicled free graft of second tarsometatarsal joint was transplanted to repair bone defect of the first carpometacarpal joint according to the shape and area of tissue defect of hand in 3 patients. The dosalis pedis flap was simultaneously used to repair soft tissue defect of carpometacarpe and the big thenar in 2 cases. The donor site was sutured directly or covered byintermediate thickness skin flap. Results The vessel of the bone flaphad constant anatomical location，the operation procedure was easy. Moreover it had minimal effect ondonor, the flap of dosalis pedis could be used to repair soft tissue defect in this area. Three cases were followed up 1 to 2 years.The shape of the reconstituted thumb was normal. The healing time of clinical fracture of the first carpometacarpal joint was 2 to 3 months. The function recovery of the reconstituted thumb was satisfactory. Conclusion It is an effective method to repair bonedefect of the first carpometacarpal joint with the pedicled second tarsometatarsal joint graft.
ObjectiveTo analyze the feasibility and effectiveness of elastic intramedullary nail fixation for the fifth metacarpal neck fracture under the guidance of high frequency ultrasound.MethodsThe clinical data of 30 patients with the fifth metacarpal neck fractures who were treated with elastic intramedullary nails fixation under the guidance of high frequency ultrasound and met the selection criteria between May 2013 and September 2017 were retrospectively analysed. There were 24 males and 6 females, the age ranged from 18 to 58 years, with an average of 31.4 years. The head-shaft angle of the fifth metacarpal was (55.6±11.3)°. The time from injury to operation was 12 hours to 8 days, with an average of 2.4 days. The operation time, number of intraoperative fluoroscopy, fracture reduction, complications, and fracture healing time were recorded. The head-shaft angle of the fifth metacarpal on the affected side after fracture healing were measured and compared with the healthy side. At last follow-up, the active range of motion of the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint of both sides were measured, and the function was evaluated by using the total active movement (TAM) evaluation standard of the Hand Surgery Association of Chinese Medical Association.ResultsThe operation time was 22-40 minutes, with an average of 32.4 minutes; the intraoperative fluoroscopy was performed once; ultrasound images and X-ray fluoroscopy showed that the fracture was well reduced and no adjustment was required. The incisions healed well after operation, without tendon adhesion or local numbness. All 30 patients were followed up 8-16 months, with an average of 11.7 months. The fracture healing time was 4-8 weeks, with an average of 5.6 weeks. The head-shaft angle of the fifth metacarpal was (13.2±1.4)°, which was significantly improved when compared with preoperative value (t=?20.02, P=0.00); and there was no significant difference (t=1.94, P=0.06) when compared with the healthy side [(12.6±1.0)°]. At last follow-up, the active range of motion of the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint on the affected side was (89.4±2.4)°, showing no significant difference (t=?1.58, P=0.13) when compared with the healthy side [(90.3±2.0)°]. According to the TAM evaluation standard of the Hand Surgery Association of Chinese Medical Association, all patients were considered to be excellent.ConclusionThe effectiveness of elastic intramedullary nail fixation for the fifth metacarpal neck fracture under the guidance of high frequency ultrasound is definite. It can dynamically observe the fracture reduction from different angles, reduce ionizing radiation and postoperative complications.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of Ilizarov technique in reconstruction of thumb function in patients with thumb degloving injury after amputation.MethodsBetween June 2011 and September 2016, 9 cases of thumb degloving injury were treated with amputation and Ilizarov technology. There were 8 males and 1 female with an age of 18-52 years (mean, 34.7 years). The amputation plane was the level of the metacarpophalangeal joint in 5 cases, the level of the proximal metacarpophalangeal joint in 2 cases, and the level of the base of the proximal phalanx in 2 cases (the length of proximal phalanx was less than 1 cm). After amputation, the affected finger was shorter than the healthy finger by 4.0-7.5 cm, with an average of 5.7 cm. On the fifth day after operation, the semi-loop external fixation extender was applied for extension, which was extended by 0.5 mm per day, and was extended once every 6 hours.ResultsAfter bone lengthening surgery, the first web space elevation and contracture occurred in 8 cases. Six of them were treated with the amputation of the inner muscle of the thumb and the "Z" forming technique, postoperative thumb function recovered well; the remaining 2 cases rejected plasty. All 9 patients were followed up 14-47 months, with an average of 33 months. Bone lengthening time was 64-122 days, with an average of 86 days. The lengthening length of bone was 3.0-5.9 cm, with an average of 4.1 cm, and the average lengthening length was 71.9% of the average shortened length. The fixation time of external fixator was 169-342 days, with an average of 231 days. The healing index was 43.2-59.1 days/cm, with an average of 53.4 days/cm. One case showed prolonged mineralization delay and recovered after "accordion" treatment. Bone healing was finally achieved in all patients, with the healing time ranging from 169 to 342 days, with an average of 231 days. No replantation internal fixation and flexion contracture occurred. The two-point discrimination of extended fingertip was similar to that of normal fingertip. The grip strength reached 53%-89% of the healthy side; the kneading force reached 59%-91% of the healthy side.ConclusionThe application of Ilizarov technology to extend the thumb metacarpal lengthening is a good method to reconstruction the thumb function after degloving injury.
Objective To investigate the surgical technique and effectiveness of tension band-assisted plate fixation combined with external fixator for volar marginal fractures of the distal radius. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 12 patients with volar marginal fractures of the distal radius treated by Kirschner wire tension band-assisted anatomical plate fixation combined with external fixator between October 2018 and July 2023. The cohort included 9 males and 3 females, aged from 20 to 52 years (mean, 35.5 years). The injury causes included traffic accidents in 6 cases, falls from height in 3 cases, and fall in 3 cases. According to AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA), there were 1 case of type B2, 4 cases of type B3, 2 cases of type C1, 3 cases of type C2, and 2 cases of type C3. According to Fernandez classification, there were 2 cases of type Ⅲ, 5 cases of type Ⅳ, and 5 cases of type Ⅴ. Associated injuries included radiocarpal joint dislocation or subluxation in 7 cases and median nerve injury in 2 cases. The time from injury to operation was 2-7 days (mean, 3.2 days). Postoperatively, functional outcomes were evaluated using the modified Mayo wrist score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Grip strength was measured as the ratio to the unaffected side, and wrist range of motion (ROM) including dorsiflexion, palmar flexion, ulnar deviation, and radial deviation was assessed. Results All procedures were successfully completed, with an operation time of 55-110 minutes (mean, 65 minutes). All patients were followed up 6-36 months (mean, 13.7 months). Surgical incisions healed by first intention, without complications such as vascular-nerve injury or infection. Bony union and articular congruency were attained in all patients, with a healing time of 3-5 months (mean, 3.8 months). During follow-up, 1 case of Kirschner wire migration occurred with no instances of infections, radiocarpal dislocations, internal fixation failures, or extensor pollicis longus tendon ruptures. At last follow-up, the modified Mayo wrist score ranged from 65 to 92 (mean, 80.8), the DASH score ranged from 7 to 15 (mean, 11.6), the grip strength was 65%-90% (mean, 78.2%) of the unaffected side; and wrist ROM was palmar flexion 60°-85° (mean, 77.4°), dorsiflexion 55°-80° (mean, 74.8°), radial deviation 10°-25° (mean, 18.8°), and ulnar deviation 15°-30° (mean, 24.5°). Conclusion Kirschner wire tension band-assisted anatomical plate fixation combined with external fixator for volar marginal fractures of the distal radius is a simple method with reliable fixation, which can achieve satisfactory effectiveness.
Objective To summarize the clinical experiences of various types of the second dorsal metacarpal artery (SDMA) flap for hand reconstruction. Methods From 1988 to 2003, 139 SDMA flaps were transferred for hand injuries. The flaps were used in 5 types according to vascularization and technique in transplantation:orthograde pedicled island SDMA flaps in 37 cases (cutaneous in 24and teno-cutaneous in 13), retrograde pedicled island SDMA flaps in 25 cases(cutaneous in 19 and teno-cutaneous in 6),double pivot SDMA flaps in 36 cases(cutaneous in 28 and teno-cutaneous in 8), distal perforator branch pedicledflaps in 19cases (cutaneous in 16 and composite in 3), free SDMA flaps in 22 cases (cutaneous in 15 and composite in 7). The skin islands were 3.0 cm×1.5 cm to 6.3 cm×5.0 cm in size. Results Of the 139 flaps, 135 flaps survived completely, 3 survived partially, and1 failed in the operation because of intractable vascular spasm. Follow-up wasdone in 116 cases for 12 to 57 months. The flap had good texture and color match. The twopoint discrimination was 5 to 9 mm in 78 sensate flaps, while it was 10 to 15 mm in 38 nonsensate flaps. In 21 tenocutaneous flaps, the TAM score of range of motion was 60% to 70% of the healthy side. Conclusion The SDMA flap has a constant and reliable vessel and a thin, pliable, and good-quality skin. It is versatile in creatingcomposite flaps. It is a good flap resource for hand and finger reconstruction.
The applied anatomy and clinical application were described in this paper. The blood supply of this flap was based on the second dorsal metacarpal artery. It gave some advantages of as easy of application, safe and reliable. Since November 1990, we had successfully used six such flaps in covering the soft tissue defects of the hand.