Reflection photometry of oxygen supply of skin flaps and replanted fingers

A method is presented that allows noninvasive, direct, and rapid control of the oxygen supply of the skin, by registration of cutaneous hemoglobin spectra. Axial pattern flaps, free transfer flaps, and replanted fingers were investigated using this method intra- and postoperatively. The results showed that with such a control, complications in the revascularization and healing process can be detected fairly early, so that therapeutic measures can be taken.