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Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 3/2015

01-06-2015 | Original Article

Medial plantar flap to repair defects of palm volar skin

Authors: Q.-S. Huang, X. Wu, H.-Y. Zheng, P. Zhou, K. Wang, X.-W. Zhou, Z.-W. Liu, Z.-B. Chen

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 3/2015

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Abstract

Purpose

The methods of repairing defects in fingers, volar skin of the palm and soft tissue were investigated.

Methods

From 2010 to the present, we examined 12 cases in which medial plantar skin flaps were used to repair defects in the fingers and palm. According to skin and soft tissue defects in the fingers and palm, a flap was designed using the medial plantar artery as the vessel pedicle. The flap was dissected and isolated between the abductor hallucis and flexor digitorum brevis, and transplanted to the hand. We then observed the skin colour, skin texture and tactile sensitivity of the hand, as well as the shape and function of the foot.

Results

Follow-up for 3–28 months showed that the flaps survived in all 12 cases, with soft skin, healthy appearance, colour consistent with the palm skin and no pigmentation. The two-point discrimination was 5–7 mm. The donor foot functioned well, and the scar at the donor site was slight and had an aesthetic appearance.

Conclusion

The free medial plantar flap is an ideal flap for repairing soft tissue defects in the palm.
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Metadata
Title
Medial plantar flap to repair defects of palm volar skin
Authors
Q.-S. Huang
X. Wu
H.-Y. Zheng
P. Zhou
K. Wang
X.-W. Zhou
Z.-W. Liu
Z.-B. Chen
Publication date
01-06-2015
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 3/2015
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-014-0423-6

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