Successful Hand Replantation Augmented by Delayed Pedicled Fascio-Cutaneous Groin Flap in an Adult Laborer: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND Upper limb replantation has become an almost routine procedure, with digital and hand reattachments being the most commonly performed. These remain challenging procedures to reconstructive surgeons, especially when there is trauma to the detached limb. Injury to the overlying skin and soft tissue can lead to tissue necrosis, sepsis, and loss of the replanted limb. The use of skin grafts as well as a wide variety of muscular, musculo-cutaneous, fascio-cutaneous flaps, and free-transfer grafts has significantly diminished limb loss. We report on the use of a delayed fascio-cutaneous, pedicled groin flap to cover a defect on the dorsum of a hand replanted 6 weeks earlier. CASE REPORT A right-hand-dominant male laborer had his left hand completely severed by a sharpened machete. This was surgically replanted with limb salvage but there was an area of denuded tissue on the dorsum, devoid of epidermal coverage. A fascio-cutaneous, pedicled rotational flap arising from the left groin was used as definitive cover for the defect. This flap augmented the replantation process by producing a functional and visually acceptable replant, allowing the patient to undergo rehabilitation and eventually return to the workforce. CONCLUSIONS The fascio-cutaneous, pedicled, rotational groin flap is a thin, pliable, but robust flap which covered the defect created by the initial injury with a protective tissue layer. It allowed free movement of the extensor tendons by creating a smooth surface over which they could easily glide with retention of near-normal, functional hand movement.