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.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of modified dorsal metacarpal artery reverse island flap based on two adjacent recurrent branches of dorsal metacarpal arteries in repairing large skin defect of the hand. Methods Between September 2017 and March 2021, 15 cases of large skin defect of the hand were treated. There were 11 males and 4 females with an average age of 42 years (range, 24-66 years). The injury causes included machine twist injury in 6 cases, pound injury in 5 cases, and crush injury in 4 cases. The injured parts included 6 cases of finger skin defect and 9 cases of distal skin defect of palm and dorsum of hand, all of which had tendon, joint, and bone exposure. The interval from injury to operation ranged from 2 to 6 hours (mean, 4 hours). The defect sizes after thorough debridement ranged from 3.5 cm×3.0 cm to 8.0 cm×4.5 cm. The modified dorsal metacarpal artery reverse island flap with a range of 3.8 cm×3.3 cm to 9.0 cm×5.0 cm was used to repair the defect, and the flap donor site was repaired with full-thickness skin graft. ResultsAll the flaps survived successfully after operation, and the wounds in the recipient site and the skin grafts in the donor site healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 9-24 months, with an average of 14 months. The appearance of the flap was good, and its texture and color were similar to those of the surrounding normal tissue. There was no obvious scar contracture, depression, and pigmentation in the donor site. At last follow-up, the static two-point discrimination of the flap was 8-20 mm, with an average of 13.6 mm. According to the Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire, 5 patients were very satisfied with the appearance of the flap, and 10 patients were satisfied. Conclusion The modified dorsal metacarpal artery reverse island flap based on two adjacent recurrent branches of dorsal metacarpal arteries has reliable blood supply, larger harvested area, simple procedure, and minimal donor site damage, which is suitable for emergency repair of large skin defect of the hand.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of partial translocation of flexor carpi radialis tendon in the treatment of traumatic dislocation of the first carpometacarpal joint. Methods The clinical data of 6 patients with traumatic dislocation of the first carpometacarpal joint who met the selection criteria between March 2020 and June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 3 males and 3 females with an average age of 33.5 years (range, 16-42 years). All the 6 cases were treated with plaster immobilization for 4-6 weeks, and the time from injury to operation was 6-12 weeks, with an average of 8.8 weeks. All patients underwent reconstruction of the metacarpophalangeal anterior oblique ligament and dorsal posterior oblique ligament of the first carpometacarpal joint with partial translocation of flexor carpi radialis tendon. The pain relief was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score before and after operation, and the pinch force, palmar abduction and radial abduction angles of the affected side and the healthy side were recorded before and after operation, and the ratio of the above indexes between the affected side and the healthy side was calculated to evaluate the effectiveness. ResultsAll the incisions healed by first intention after operation, and there was no complication related to operation such as neurovascular injury. All patients were followed up 6-19 months (mean, 12.7 months). The range of motion of the thumb on the affected side was the same as that on the healthy side, the first carpometacarpal joint was stable without recurrent dislocation and pain. At last follow-up, the VAS score, the pinch force of the affected side, the abduction angle of the palmar side of the affected thumb, the abduction angle of the radial side of the affected thumb, and the pinch force ratio, the palmar abduction angle ratio of the thumb, and the radial abduction angle ratio of the thumb of the affected side to the healthy side significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). ConclusionPartial translocation of the flexor carpi radialis tendon to reconstruct the metacarpophalangeal and dorsal radial ligaments for the treatment of traumatic dislocation of the first carpometacarpal joint is a reliable surgical method.
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.
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 explore the effectiveness of one-stage metacarpal osteotomy, thumb opponensplasty and polygonal flap reconstruction in the treatment of congenital spade hand deformity. MethodsEight cases of congenital spade hand were treated between January 2013 and March 2017. There were 5 males and 3 females, with an average age of 17.5 months (range, 13-35 months). The clinical manifestations of all the children were congenital spade hand and the affected hand was shorter than the healthy side. The contralateral hand was normal and there was no chest, skull, or facial deformity. The operation was performed with metacarpal osteotomy and thumb opponensplasty, and through the dorsal metacarpal rectangular flap to reconstruct the first web and through rotation of polygonal skin flap to reconstruct thumb web and lateral fold of thumb index nail. The dorsal ulnar and proximal radial segment of thumb were repaired by skin grafting. A vernier caliper was used to measure the first web space and the thumb function was evaluated by modified Tada score. ResultsThe reconstruction of palmar function and the formation of first web were completed in one stage in 8 children. Skin grafting on the dorsal ulnar side of thumb and radial side of index finger survived after operation. All the children were followed up 13-29 months, with an average of 16.1 months. There was no infection, skin flap necrosis, lateral deviation of thumb, scar contracture, or other complications. At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in skin color between the healthy side and the first web of the affected hand. The opening distance of first web space was 3.5-5.0 cm, with an average of 4.2 cm. According to the modified Tada scoring system, the results were excellent in 7 cases and good in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. The thumb could grasp and pinch actively, and the palm opposition function was good. ConclusionOne-stage thumb opponensplasty combined with polygonal flap for reconstruction of congenital spade hand deformity can improve hand function very well. The reasonable designing of skin flap can effectively cover important areas, and the operation is safe and reliable.
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.
Objective To compare the effectiveness and complications of various surgical techniques in the treatment of the osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint. Methods We searched MEDLINE (1966 to 2005), Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Issue 3, 2005) and CBM (1978 to 2005), and handsearched the references of relevant studies. Only randomized controlled trials were included. We assessed the methodological quality of the included studies, extracted data, and performed quantitative and qualitative analyses. Results Seven studies were included, and all had some methodological shortcomings. There was b evidence that in the short term, ligamentous reconstruction, tendon interposition (LRTI) and trapeziectomy alone provide similar results with regard to pain relief, grip and pinch strength, range of thumb motion, hand function and overall satisfaction of patients, but more complications occur with LRTI than with trapeziectomy alone. Conflicting evidence was found about whether LRTI resulted in less subsidence of the first metacarpal bone than trapeziectomy alone. There was moderate evidence that LRTI and ligament reconstruction without tendon interposition (LR) did not have significant differences in thumb strength, patient satisfaction and subsidence of the first metacarpal bone. Limited evidence showed that LR produced better functional scores than LRTI and similar results in pain relief to LRTI. Conflicting evidence supported that LR resulted in greater motion range of thumb than LRTI. Only limited evidence showed that effectiveness was similar between LRTI and Swanson implant. We did not find randomized controlled trials about other surgical techniques. Conclusion Not enough evidence supports superiority of one technique over another. More high quality randomized controlled trials and long term follow-up are necessary.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anatomic basis for transposition of the distal dorsal ulna bone flap pedicled with dorsal metacarpal artery to repair the defect of the 3rd or 4th and 5th metacarpal bone head. METHODS: In 30 adult cadaveric upper limbs, the branches and constitutions of the dorsal carpal arterial networks were observed. RESULTS: The dorsal carpal arterial networks were consisted of the dorsal carpal branches of ulnar and radial arteries, the terminal branches of posterior interosseous artery and the dorsal carpal branch of anterior interosseous artery, and then the 2nd, 3rd, 4th dorsal metacarpal branches were originated from the networks. The dorsal metacarpal branches were anastomosed with the deep branches of deep palmar arch to constitute the dorsal metacarpal artery. CONCLUSION: Transposition of the distal dorsal ulna bone flap pedicled with the 3rd, 4th dorsal metacarpal arteries can be used in repairing the defect of 3rd, 4th and 5th metacarpal bone head.
Objective To explore the effect of the first dorsal metacarpal artery-based pedicle dictyo-pattern sublobe flaps in repairing irregular wounds on thumbs and index fingers. Methods From December 2006 to March 2009, 15 patients with irregular wounds on thumbs and index fingers were treated, including 11 males and 4 femals, with an average age of 31 years (range, 18-48 years). Of them, 6 cases of hyperplastic scar of postburn had a 2-25 years course of disease (7.5 years onaverage) and 9 cases of machine injury had a 14-30 days course of disease (20 days on average). In 8 thumb wounds on palmaris, there were 3 cases of rhomboid wounds, 1 case of C-shape wound, and 4 cases of irregular wounds; the area of wounds ranged from 4.5 cm × 3.0 cm to 5.5 cm × 4.5 cm and wounds were treated by the first dorsal metacarpal artery-based proximate pedicle dictyo-pattern sublobe flaps (5 cm × 3 cm to 6 cm × 5 cm). In 7 index fingers wounds on dorsi-fingers, there were 3 cases of 2-wounds, 4 cases of irregular wounds; the area of wounds ranged from 1.0 cm × 0.5 cm to 2.2 cm × 2.0 cm and wounds were treated by the first dorsal metacarpal artery-based distal pedicle dictyo-pattern sublobe flaps (1.2 cm × 0.5 cm to 3.0 cm × 2.2 cm). The donor sites were covered with skin grafts or sutured directly. Results All of the flaps survived completely, the wound of recipient site healed at stage I. The free skin graft on donor site survived completely, the wound of donor site healed at stage I. All cases were followed up for 6-12 months (9 months on average). There was good appearance of flaps. The two point discrimination was 5-7 mm for the proximate pedicle flaps and 9-10 mm for the distal pedicle flaps. The thumbs had digital opposition, opposition function, the index fingers had no dysfunction. According to Hand Surgery Association Society of Chinese Medical Association Society standard for the part function evaluation trial-use of upper l imb, the results of the total active movement were excellent in 14 cases, and good in 1 case. The l ine-scar was existed at donor site of the case of direct suture, the function of thumb web had no dysfunction. Conclusion The first dorsal metacarpal artery-based pedicle dictyo-pattern sublobe flaps can repair the irregular wounds on thumbs and index fingers. It has rel iable blood supply and simple operation.