[The anatomy basis and clinical application of the horn fasciocutaneous perforator flaps for the reconstruction of the defects on finger soft tissue].

Abstract

Objective: To discuss the clinical effect of horn perforator flaps for the treatment of finger soft tissue defect.

Methods: ① Lead oxide-gelatin mixture injection and CT scanning were performed in 4 fresh adult cadavers and the data was put into mimics 17.0 to achieve the three-dimensional reconstruction. The regulation and origins of the perforator vessel in proper palmar digital artery was observed. ② From July 2012 to July 2015,9 cases with finger soft tissue defects were treated with horn perforator flaps. The defect areas ranged from 0.6 cm × 0.8 cm to 1.2 cm × 1.5 cm and the flap size ranged from0.8 cm×2.5 cm to 1.6 cm×4.2 cm. We put the head end of flaps at defect side. The horn perforator flap was designed with 1-2 perforator vessel and rotated to cover the defect. The defect at donor site was closed directly.

Results: We got 4 symmetric arteries in palmar and back surfaces of fingers,2 for proper palmar digital arteries and 2 for dorsal digital arteries. The proper palmar digital arteries have a larger diameter which is the main source of blood supply for fingers. All 9 flaps survived after the operation. Both the recipient area and donor areas received sound healing. With 2 months to 1.5 years of follow-up visit, the shape, color and luster, texture and function all had good healing.

Conclusions: The horn perforator flaps for repair finger soft tissue defect have advantages of flexible design, reliable perforator vessels. The defect at donor site can be closed directly with no skin graft. This method considers both shape and function and is a good way for finger soft tissue defect.