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Direct and reversed flow proximal phalangeal island flaps
1Laboratoire d'Anatomie, Université Rene Descartes, Paris, France.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|July 1, 1994
Summary
This study details the skin vascularization of the proximal phalanx, revealing two key digital artery branches. These findings support the development of novel proximal phalangeal island flaps for effective skin defect repair.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Vascular Surgery
- Microsurgery
Background:
- Understanding the precise vascular anatomy of the digits is crucial for reconstructive surgery.
- The proximal phalanx's skin vascularization has not been extensively detailed, limiting reconstructive options.
Observation:
- Microdissection of eight upper limbs revealed two proper digital artery branches supplying the proximal phalanx skin.
- These branches, with average diameters of 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm, formed a vascular arcade over the extensor tendon.
Findings:
- Two distinct cutaneous axial island flaps were designed based on the observed vascular patterns: direct and reversal flow proximal phalangeal island flaps.
- Harvesting of five direct proximal phalangeal island flaps demonstrated satisfactory survival and clinical outcomes.
Implications:
- The described flaps offer a viable solution for repairing skin defects on the proximal and middle phalanges.
- This anatomical study provides a foundation for advancing surgical techniques in digital reconstruction.