Secondary coverage of the hand using a dorsalis pedis plus first web space free flap

Traditionally, severe degloving injuries of the hand have been treated with random abdominal or pedicled groin flaps, which offer good cutaneous coverage but do not provide sensibility. The authors present the results of the application of an extended dorsalis pedis plus first web space of the foot flap to resurface the hands of five male patients who had been treated originally with random abdominal or pedicled groin flaps. The reported flap has the advantage of providing the patient with up to three different nerve territories, aiding in a better functional use of the hand.