Background Fingertip defect significantly affects the appearance of the hand. The aim of this research was to evaluate the clinical effect of aesthetic fingertip reconstruction with partial second toe transfer.Methods Between July 2005 and December 2008, 17 patients underwent aesthetic fingertip reconstruction with partial second toe transfer. The mean size of fingertip defects was 0.7 cm （ranging from 0.5-1.1 cm）. Anastomosis was performed between one dominant plantar digital artery and one proper digital artery, between two dorsal digital veins of the toe and two dorsal digital veins of the finger, respectively, for the reconstruction of blood supply to the reconstructed finger. Two plantar digital nerves of the toe were then sutured to two proper digital nerves of the finger for the restoration of fingertip sensation.Results All reconstructed fingers survived completely. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 24 months, and the appearance of the reconstructed fingertip was similar to that of the normal fingertip. Two-point discrimination of the reconstructed fingertip was （7.8±1.3） mm. The recovered pinch strength of the reconstructed finger was about （89.0±5.1）% of that of the normal finger. Donor site healed well without complications.Conclusions Partial second toe transfer is an ideal aesthetic reconstruction method for fingertip defects; it can not only achieve a satisfactory appearance of the fingertip, but can also obtain excellent sensory and motor functions.
Background The perforator flap has become a very useful reconstructive means of soft tissue defect of extremities. The perforator flap from the inguinal region has advantages that include the ability to cover a large area with little donor site morbidity and provision of suitable thickness for reconstruction. Methods From July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2007, 10 patients with various types of soft tissue defect underwent reconstruction with 10 perforator flaps from the inguinal region. Six flaps were applied to the upper extremities and four flaps to the lower extremities. The dimensions of the transferred flaps ranged from 7-30 cm in length and 4-10 cm in width. Results The postoperative course of all 10 flaps was uneventful and all flaps survived. Distal small partial necrosis was observed in one case due to arterial insufficiency of the distal part of the flap. All patients were satisfied with the functional and esthetic resurfacing outcome. Conclusion Use of perforator flap from the inguinal region could overcome the disadvantages of the traditional free groin flap, and represents a safe and useful tool for coverage of soft tissue defects.
Background Thumb web contracture is a common complication after hand injury, and can markedly affect whole hand function. Therefore, surgery involving thumb web reconstruction is often necessary to restore normal function of the involved hand. In this study, we present the application of the lateral tarsal artery （LTA） flap in first web reconstruction. Methods From November 1, 2005 to October 31, 2007, seven patients with severe post trauma or burn contractures around the first web space were treated with a LTA flap. All the patients were followed up. Results All flaps survived, with an average size of 6.7 cm×4.8 cm. There were no complications or recurrent contractures during follow-up. All patients were satisfied with the esthetic appearance and functional outcome of the reconstruction. Conclusion The L＇I-A flap could be an excellent option for covering various defects in the thumb web space, serving as an excellent alternative for the thumb web space reconstruction.
