title: The proximal first dorsal metacarpal artery free flap for reconstruction of complex digital defects.
abstract: We describe our experience and outcome with the 'Proximal first dorsal metacarpal artery free flap'. Ten consecutive cases utilizing the proximal first dorsal metacarpal artery free flap for complex digital defects were studied. Surgical technique, patient demographics, and flap outcome data were collected. Patient satisfaction was analysed using a questionnaire. All defects healed successfully with no loss of free flaps. The short-pedicle proximal first dorsal metacarpal artery free flap enables primary closure of the donor site up to 2 cm of width (in nine of the ten donor sites). The flap is a reliable and versatile alternative in selected cases of complex digital injuries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Berkova, Brno, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hyza
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kubek
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vesely
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Drazan
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Choudry
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome