Distally based venous flap for proximal phalangeal soft tissue burn defect and web space burn contracture

Flap choices for the coverage of the proximal phalangeal soft tissue defects of the finger and web space burn contractures are limited. A unipedicled distally based venous flap was raised from the third or fourth metacarpal area of the hand for proximal phalangeal soft tissue defects of the finger and web space burn contracture. For clinical use, we operated seven male patients using this venous flap. Superficial necrosis involving two flaps did not interfere with flap survival. Mild edema and venous congestion occurred in all flaps. All flaps survived completely. The mean follow-up period of the flaps was 6 months, ranging from 3 to 14 months. A well-planned distally based venous flap is an useful option for the coverage of the proximal phalangeal soft tissue burn defects of the finger and web space burn contracture of the hand.