Complete removal plus dorsalis pedis flap for arteriovenous malformation in the hypothenar region.

Complete removal of arteriovenous malformations of the hand, without functional impairment of the hand and fingers, is extremely difficult. A dorsalis pedis flap was used to reconstruct a soft-tissue defect, following complete removal of a malformation in the hypothenar region. This method allowed sufficient excision to militate against postoperative recurrence of the abnormality, while maintaining finger function. Two years after the operation, there has been no recurrence of the malformation and nearly normal finger function.