[The use of first dorsal metacarpal artery flap for thumb reconstruction]

The use of the first dorsal metacarpal artery flap in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in 6 patients suffered from severe injuries of the thumb is presented. Detailed description of the operative technique is given and results of the treatment of 3 patients who were examined at 1-2 years after operation are evaluated. All flaps healed uneventfully and defects were covered in all patients without terminalization of the thumb. Functional results were satisfactory in 2 patients, but other one considered his hand incompletely dexter, by means of decreased both total grip and pinch strengths. In the other patient a limited range of motion occurred in MCP joint of the index finger from which the flap was harvested. Sensation of light touch was satisfactory in two patients and decreased in one, and 2PD discrimination was of 10 mm in all 3 patients. Presented technique seems to be useful and relatively safe in the reconstruction of severely injured thumbs, and for rearrangement of sensation within the thumb.