Clinical application of distal ulnar artery perforator flap in hand trauma

Abstract

The clinical value of distal ulnar artery perforator flap in composite defects of the hand is demonstrated in a case series of nine patients with severe injuries of the hand. Soft tissue loss with a mean diameter of 3 × 4 cm on the dorsum of the hand, volar and dorsal side of the wrist and palm was reconstructed with this flap. The mean size of flaps was 5.2 × 5.2 cm. Tendon and nerve injuries, and metacarpal fractures accompanied the soft tissue loss in seven patients. Subsequent reconstructive procedures were; Hunter rod placement and tendon grafting in two patients, nerve grafting in one, primary extensor or flexor tendon repair in three, and metacarpal bone fixation in one patient. The mean follow-up period was 18 months. No complications related to the flap were observed. In this article, the advantage and disadvantages of distal ulnar artery perforator flap in hand and wrist reconstruction is discussed together with a review of literature.