title: Use of a distal ulnar artery perforator-based bilobed free flap for repairing complex digital defects.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of using a distal ulnar artery perforator (DUAP)-based bilobed free flap (BFF) for the repair of complex digital defects in the hand.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively studied 15 patients who sustained traumatic digital defects with complicating tendon and phalanx exposure and were hospitalized for repair using a DUAP-based BFF. Main outcome measures included patients' self-assessed physical appearance, total active motion, and 2-point discrimination.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The flaps survived and the wounds healed with primary intention in all patients except one who experienced partial flap necrosis of the distal margin and required treatment with a second skin graft. Patients were observed for a mean of 13 months. The physical appearance and texture of the repaired fingers were assessed as good with minimal scarring. Total active motion and 2-point discrimination were 113° to 255° (contralateral, 255° to 275°) and 6 to 11 mm (contralateral, 5 to 8 mm), respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of the DUAP-based BFF is a feasible, effective, and safe treatment alternative for repairing complex digital defects with favorable aesthetic and sensorimotor outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Therapeutic IV.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Xuzhou Renci Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China; Department of Hand Surgery, Wuxi Hand Surgery Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, Peoples Republic of China. Electronic address: davyzheng93006@163.com.
authors.forename: Da-Wei
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Xuzhou Renci Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China; Department of Hand Surgery, Wuxi Hand Surgery Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, Peoples Republic of China.
authors.forename: Zhang-Can
authors.initials: ZC
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Xuzhou Renci Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China; Department of Hand Surgery, Wuxi Hand Surgery Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, Peoples Republic of China.
authors.forename: Feng
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Xuzhou Renci Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China; Department of Hand Surgery, Wuxi Hand Surgery Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, Peoples Republic of China.
authors.forename: Rong-Jian
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Shi
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Xuzhou Renci Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China; Department of Hand Surgery, Wuxi Hand Surgery Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, Peoples Republic of China.
authors.forename: Kui-Shui
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Shou
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D017535:Ulnar Artery; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Free flap; complex digital defect; perforator; repair; ulnar artery