title: [Clinical application of free perforator hypothenar flap for thumb pulp defect].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To summarize the therapeutic effect of free perforator hypothenar flap for thumb pulp defect.
  
  
  METHODS
  From Jun. 2012 to Mar. 2013,8 cases with thumb pulp defect accompanied with exposure of phalanges ans tendons were treated by free ipsilateral perforator hypothenar flap. The flaps were 1.4 cm x 2.0 cm-1.8 cm x 2.2 cm in size. Ulnar finger artery in the flap was anastomosed with thumb artery. The accompanied veins and superficial veins were respectively anastomosed with thumb dorsal veins. Nerve branches in flaps were sutured with unilateral finger nerve to reconstruct flap feeling with 9-0 thread. Wounds in the hypothenar donor site were sutured directly.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All the flaps survived completely with primary healing both in donor and recipient area. 8 cases (8 fingers) were followed up for 6-13 months (average 9 months). The flaps appearance, texture were good. The two-point discrimination distance on flap was 7-10 mm. The active and passive movement of thumb joints was normal. There was no complain about the feeling at the donor site. Linear scar was left on the donor site. Patients hand grip strength was not decreased.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The free perforator hypothenar flap which has constant vascular anatomy is a new method for thumb soft tissue defect with less morbidity to donor site. The operative procedures are relatively simple.
authors.forename: Zhou
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Xiao
authors.forename: Rui
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Yongjun
authors.forename: Xue
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Mingyu
authors.forename: Xu
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Yajun
authors.forename: Qiang
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Zheng
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Heping
mesh_terms: D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology; D050278:Finger Phalanges; D005385:Fingers / Q000098:blood supply; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D061525:Perforator Flap / Q000637:transplantation*; D013710:Tendons; D013933:Thumb / Q000293:injuries*; D017535:Ulnar Artery / Q000601:surgery*; D014680:Veins; D014945:Wound Healing