[Clinical application of neurovascular island flap in the hand]

From 1962 to 1992, four kinds of neurovascular island flaps of the hand were used for the treatment of skin defects in the hand in 72 cases. Of these flaps, 38 were pulp flaps of the finger, 24 were based on the first dorsal metacarpal artery, 7 were from second dorsal metacarpal artery and 3 were from hypothenar area. All the flaps survived except 1. Postoperative follow-up showed excellent or good results in 94.4%. The indications of the operation, flap design and surgical procedure are described. The anatomical feature, the advantages and disadvantages of the flap are discussed.