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Ulnar artery perforator free flap for finger resurfacing
Sang Wha Kim1, Sung-No Jung, Won Il Sohn
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|March 19, 2013
Summary
The ulnar artery perforator flap offers a reliable method for finger reconstruction. This thin, pliable flap provides excellent aesthetic and functional outcomes for patients with finger injuries.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Microsurgery
- Anatomy
Background:
- Ulnar forearm flaps are utilized for finger injury reconstruction.
- This study refines perforator anatomy based on the ulnar artery.
- Presents clinical experience with ulnar artery perforator free flaps for finger resurfacing.
Observation:
- Anatomical study in 10 cadaver forearms identified consistent ulnar perforator origin.
- Ulnar perforator originates from the ulnar artery 40 mm proximal to the pisiform.
- Artery diameter averaged 0.9 mm, with perforator length of 20 mm.
Findings:
- Five patients underwent successful ulnar artery perforator flap operations for finger resurfacing.
- All flaps survived without complications.
- Patients reported high satisfaction with aesthetic and functional results.
Implications:
- The ulnar artery perforator flap is thin, pliable, and provides suitable skin for reconstruction.
- It offers a simple, fast procedure with reliable blood supply.
- This flap is a viable alternative for resurfacing finger defects.
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