The clinical results of free hypothenar perforator flap based on different sources of blood vessels transfer in the treatment of skin defects of the finger

Objective To evaluate the outcome of free hypothenar perforator flap, with different vascular perforators, in fingerskin defects repairment. Methods From April 2014 to September 2016, 15 cases of skin defects on finger were treated with hypothenar perforator flap, based on different vascular perforators.Patients had nerves, vessels, tendons or bone exposure.Defects ranged from 1.5 cm×3.5 cm to 2.0 cm×4.5 cm in size. Fivecases were treated with hypothenar perforator flap based on a cutaneous perforator branch of the ulnar artery, 8 cases were based on acutaneous perforator branch of the ulnar digital artery, 2 cases were based on branch of the superficial volar arch.Donor site was closed directly. Results Vascular crisis occurred in 3 cases postoperatively, which were rescued by propertreatment. Other 12 transferred free flaps survived uneventfully.After averaged 13.5-month postoperative follow-up (ranging from 3 to 24 months), the appearance of transferred flaps was satisfactory. Flap texture was good with no obvious atrophy. All the fingers had good function.The sensation of flaps recovered to S3, and two-point discrimination was 8-9 mm. The donor site was healed with linear scar. Conclusions The hypothenar perforator free flap was relatively easy to practice.Constant vascular anatomy, the appearance, texture and good functional recovery after hypothenar free flap transferring, suggest this is achoice for repairing small skin defects on finger. Key words: Hand injuries; Surgical flaps; Microsurgery