[Application of anterograde fascial flap of digital artery in Wassel -D thumb duplication reconstruction].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effectiveness of anterograde fascial flap of digital artery in reconstruction of Wassel Ⅳ-D thumb duplication.

METHODS

Twelve cases of Wassel Ⅳ-D thumb duplication were treated with anterograde fascial flap of digital artery between June 2014 and March 2017. There were 7 boys and 5 girls with an age of 9-32 months (mean, 13.3 months). Eight cases were on the left side and 4 cases on the right side. The main bunion bed width was 70%-85% of the healthy side (mean, 75.3%). The degree of fullness was 50%-75% of the healthy side (mean, 62.4%). The anterograde fascial flap with one proper digital artery was used to fill the nail fold on the radial side of the finger and increase the circumference of the finger. At last follow-up, the ratio of abdominal circumference of deformed finger to contralateral finger was measured at the base of nail. The appearance and function of all reconstructed thumbs were evaluated with Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand (JSSH) scoring.

RESULTS

All the operations were successfully completed without early complications such as infection and skin necrosis. All children were followed up 7-27 months (mean, 14.3 months). At last follow-up, there was no recurrence of deformity in the digital body and no obvious change of scar contracture in the surgical wound. Pulp and nail fold symmetry was improved in all cases. The ratio of abdominal circumference of deformed finger to contralateral finger was 93%-96% (mean, 94.7%). The JSSH score was 15-20 (mean, 17.9); the results were excellent in 8 cases, good in 2 cases, and fair in 2 cases.

CONCLUSION

The anterograde fascial flap of digital artery is a safe and effective approach to restore symmetry for esthetic improvement in treatment of Wassel Ⅳ-D thumb duplication.