20. RECONSTRUCTION OF LOST SKIN OF THE DORSAL THUMB WITH MODIFIED KIT FLAP WITH SENSORY NERVE BRANCHES: WARN CLINICAL CASE AND LITERATURE REVIEW

Nguyen Ngoc Thach1
1 Hospital for Traumatology and Orthopaedics at Ho Chi Minh city

Main Article Content

Abstract

Background: Reconstruction of soft tissue defects involving the thumb, especially with exposed tendons or bones, remains a significant challenge in hand surgery. The first dorsal metacarpal artery flap has emerged as a reliable option, particularly when modified to include the sensory branch of the radial nerve.


Objective: To present a clinical case utilizing a modified first dorsal metacarpal artery flap with inclusion of the sensory branch for coverage of a dorsal thumb soft tissue defect, and to review its advantages and outcomes in light of current literature.


Methods: A female patient sustained a work-related injury resulting in a dorsal soft tissue defect of the left thumb with exposed extensor tendon at the proximal interphalangeal joint. Following initial wound stabilization, coverage was performed using a modified first dorsal metacarpal artery flap incorporating the superficial sensory branch of the radial nerve. Postoperative care included close monitoring, intramuscular Papaverine, and intravenous Unasyl.


Results: The flap survived completely without necrosis or infection. The surgical site healed well, and the patient regained functional grip and returned to work within six months.


Conclusion: The modified first dorsal metacarpal artery flap with integrated sensory nerve branch offers a reliable and functionally favorable solution for dorsal thumb soft tissue defects with tendon exposure. This technique provides durable coverage, sensory restoration, and aesthetic outcomes, and should be considered a first-line option in modern reconstructive hand surgery.

Article Details

References

[1] Couceiro J, de Prado M, Menendez G, Manteiga Z. The first dorsal metacarpal artery flap family: a review. J The Surgery Journal, 2018, 4 (4): e215-e219.
[2] Muyldermans T, Hierner R. Reconstruction l. First dorsal metacarpal artery flap for thumb reconstruction: a retrospective clinical study. J Strategies in trauma, 2009, 4: 27-33.
[3] Ghoraba S.M, Mahmoud W.H. Outcome of thumb reconstruction using the first dorsal metacarpal artery island flap. J World journal of plastic surgery, 2018, 7 (2): 151.
[4] Alharbi Z, Khatib K, Rennekampff H.O. Thumb Reconstruction with First Dorsal Metacarpal Artery Flap: Salvage of the Flap after Venous Anastomosis to the Radial Artery. J Journal of Hand Microsurgery, 2022, 14 (3): 260-261.