Nonmicrosurgical options for soft tissue reconstruction of the hand

Abstract

There are many options for nonmicrosurgical soft tissue coverage of hand wounds, ranging from split thickness skin grafting to pedicled soft tissue transfer, depending on the size, location, blood supply, and depth of the wound. Although many of these techniques have been available for decades, recent advancements in wound management include synthetic dermal substitution, new dressing materials, and variations on previously described or novel pedicled flaps.The goals of coverage include maximizing healing, function, aesthetic appearance, and patient satisfaction, while minimizing donor site morbidity. Optimal management often relies on an individual surgeon's assessment and judgment, as hand wounds can vary greatly and pose unique challenges, and multiple coverage options often exist for each wound. Here, we aim to present useful and up-to-date information on nonmicrosurgical soft tissue coverage for hand reconstruction focusing on recent findings of interest to provide an update on areas with evolving evidence.