Microsurgical reconstruction of soft-tissue defects in digits.
Injuries that cause soft tissue defects could threaten the function and viability of the involved digit. Reconstruction of such defects can be challenging and requires careful consideration in restoring both the aesthetic and functional deficit. The purpose of this review is to describe appropriate reconstructive technique using various free tissue transfers. According to the location and the size of a defect, a proper reconstructive option is indicated. Owing to the specialized mechano-sensory property of its volar soft tissue, fingertip injury, when significant defects exist, are reconstructed using specialized free flaps with appropriate histological and functional similarities. Composite tissue including bone may be required in selected cases. Additional procedures, such as secondary skin graft or division of the flap, should be done after several weeks of the first operation. Refinements and improvements in free tissue transfer allow an expanse of reconstructive options for soft tissue defect in the digit.
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gwang-Myeong Sung-Ae General Hospital, Gyeonggii-do 423-711, Republic of Korea.
Byung-Joon
BJ
Jeon
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gwang-Myeong Sung-Ae General Hospital, Gyeonggii-do 423-711, Republic of Korea.
Jae-Won
JW
Yang
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gwang-Myeong Sung-Ae General Hospital, Gyeonggii-do 423-711, Republic of Korea.
Si Young
SY
Roh
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gwang-Myeong Sung-Ae General Hospital, Gyeonggii-do 423-711, Republic of Korea.
Sae Hwi
SH
Ki
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gwang-Myeong Sung-Ae General Hospital, Gyeonggii-do 423-711, Republic of Korea.
Dong Chul
DC
Lee
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gwang-Myeong Sung-Ae General Hospital, Gyeonggii-do 423-711, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: pskm@paran.com.
Jin Soo
JS
Kim
D002983:Clinical Competence; D004954:Esthetics; D005385:Fingers / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000098:blood supply; D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery; D017534:Radial Artery; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D020127:Recovery of Function; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D014034:Toes / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome