[Repair of palm defects with improved flaps pedicled with dorsal carpal branch of ulnar artery].

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the method to repair the defects of palm with the improved flaps pedicled with the dorsal carpal branch of ulnar artery.

METHODS

The improved flaps were designed on the basis of anatomical distribution of the dorsal carpal branch of ulnar artery and the medial antebrechial cutaneous nerve, the ulnar artery was ligated and cut at the beginning of its dorsal carpal branch. The flap pedicled with dorsal carpal branch including the distal ulnar artery was achieved and applied clinically to repair 15 cases of the skin and soft tissue defects of palm from August 1997 to November 2001. The size of flaps ranged from 7 cm x 5 cm to 12 cm x 8 cm.

RESULTS

All of the cases were followed up 3 weeks to 6 months, and the flaps completely survived. There was no ischemia and necrosis at the distal part of flaps and the appearance and function was satisfactory.

CONCLUSION

The improved flap has long vascular pedicle, abundant blood supply and sensitive sensation, so it can be used to repair defect of palm.