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. 2025 May 15;52(3):145-152.
doi: 10.1055/a-2521-2291. eCollection 2025 May.

Comparison of Sensory Recovery between Random Pattern Flap and Axial Pattern Flap in Finger Defect Reconstruction

Tien Duc Nguyen  1 , Thanh Dinh Trinh  2 , Thuong Van Pham  2
Affiliations

Comparison of Sensory Recovery between Random Pattern Flap and Axial Pattern Flap in Finger Defect Reconstruction

Tien Duc Nguyen et al. Arch Plast Surg. .

Abstract

Background This study aimed to investigate the association between the use of different flaps, including random and axial pattern flaps, and sensory recovery following finger soft tissue reconstruction using local pedicle flaps. Methods A longitudinal study was conducted on 115 patients with 130 finger soft tissue defects treated with local pedicle flaps between December 2016 and December 2020. Assessments were made at early postsurgery (119 flaps), 3 months postsurgery (110 soft tissue defects), and 6 months postsurgery (94 soft tissue defects). Sensory recovery outcomes were compared between soft tissue defects reconstructed using random and axial pattern flaps. Results In the early postsurgery period, there was a significantly higher prevalence of a static sense of two-point discrimination (s2PD) ≤6 mm among fingers with random pattern flaps (96.2%) than among fingers with axial pattern flaps (64.5%). The probability of s2PD ≤6 mm at the donor and recipient sites with the direct flap was 75.5% and 25.5%, respectively, which was significantly higher than that with the reversed flap. After 6 months, there was a significant difference in sensory recovery compared to that at 3 months postsurgery but not between different flap types. Conclusion Sensory recovery after reconstruction was observed with all flap types, and better sensory recovery can be achieved in a shorter time postsurgery using random pattern flaps.

Keywords: axial pattern flap; random pattern flap; sensory recovery; soft tissue defects.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest None declared.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
( a ) Illustration of (a) random and (b) axial flap reconstructions. ( b ) Illustrating design of (c) random- and (d) axial-flap on the hands.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Study diagram.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
The difference of two-point discrimination 3 and 6 months postsurgery.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
( A – E ) Preoperative, postoperative, and long-term follow-up photographs using an Atasoy flap (Case 1).
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
( A–F ) Preoperative, postoperative, and long-term follow-up photographs using an axial direct pattern flap (Case 2).
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
( A–C ) Preoperative, postoperative, and long-term follow-up photographs using an axial reverse-pattern flap (Case 3).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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