Multiple Flaps Based On One Pedicle From The Foot To Repair Skin Defects Of The Hand

Objective To discuss clinical application and treatment effects of free multiple flaps from the foot supplied with one vascular pedide for repairing soft tissue defects of the hand.Methods 17 cases with soft tissue defects of the hand were treated with multiple flaps based on one pedicle from the foot. The hallux toe peroneal flap combined with second toe wrap-around flap or the hallux toe wrap-around flap combined with second toe tibial flap was used in 4 cases. The hallux toe peroneal flap combined with second toe tibial flap was used in 10 cases. Dorsum flap combined with hallux toe peroneal flap and second toe tibial flap was used in 2 cases. The trifoliated flap from the dorsal foot was used in 1 case. Results All the flaps in 17 cases survived. Postoperative follow-up periods ranged from 3 to 36 months, with an average of 14 months. The appearance of the repaired hand was good and the recovery of sensation and function was satisfactory. Two-point discrimination was 9 to 15 mm. The donor sites of the flaps healed well, and a few of sites occurred local scar formation. All the patients walled well. Conclusion Transfer of multiple flaps based on one pedicle from the foot is an ideal method to repair the defects of the hand. It can shorten the operation time and achieve satisfactory appearance and function. Flap selection should be based on the type and area of the injury.