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Reliability of Perforator-based UPM Flap for Coverage of Little Finger and Dorsal Hand Defect
Mina A Estawrow1, Ahmed M Gad1
1Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open
|February 28, 2022
Summary
The perforator-based ulnar parametacarpal flap reliably reconstructs little finger and dorsal hand defects. Raising the flap on the proximal perforator offers superior reliability compared to the distal perforator.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Reconstruction of little finger and dorsal hand defects presents various challenges.
- The ulnar parametacarpal flap, introduced in 1995, is a recognized method for such defects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability of the perforator-based ulnar parametacarpal flap as a propeller flap.
- To compare the outcomes of using proximal versus distal perforators for this flap.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 20 patients with little finger and dorsal hand defects.
- All defects were reconstructed using perforator-based ulnar parametacarpal flaps.
- Ten flaps were based on the proximal perforator and ten on the distal perforator.
Main Results:
- All flaps based on the proximal perforator achieved complete survival.
- Flaps based on the distal perforator had a higher complication rate, with two showing venous congestion and one experiencing partial necrosis.
Conclusions:
- The perforator-based ulnar parametacarpal flap is a reliable reconstructive option.
- Utilizing the proximal perforator significantly enhances the flap's reliability and reduces the risk of complications.
