Arterialized venous free flaps--a reconstructive alternative for large dorsal digital defects

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Hand Surgery

Background:

• Large dorsal digital defects often present challenges for reconstruction.
• Local flaps may be inadequate or unusable in complex hand injuries.

Observation:

• A retrospective review of thirteen venous free flaps in twelve patients with large dorsal digital defects was conducted.
• Forearm donor sites were closed primarily with minimal morbidity.
• Clinical evaluation alone is insufficient for monitoring due to inherent venous congestion.

Findings:

• Venous free flap survival rates are comparable to published data.
• Primary closure of the forearm donor site resulted in minimal morbidity.
• Doppler monitoring is crucial for flap assessment.

Implications:

• Venous free flaps are a reliable reconstructive option for large dorsal digital defects.
• This technique is a valuable alternative when local flaps are not feasible.
• Careful monitoring with Doppler devices is essential for successful outcomes.