Microsurgical soft tissue and bone transfers in complex hand trauma

Treatment of complex hand trauma includes adequate debridement of nonviable tissue, early reconstruction, and careful selection of various available surgical procedures tailored to patients' needs and requests. Debridement of all necrotic tissue is crucial before any attempt at reconstruction. Surgeons should also consider cosmetic outcomes of the reconstructed hand and donor-site morbidity. For best results reconstruction should be performed early, with proper early postoperative therapy. This article reviews the principles and surgical options in the management of complex hand injuries involving the dorsal and the palmar aspects of the hand, and the different types of tissue in the hand.