Research Information System
2. International Konya Microsurgery Meeting, Konya, Turkey, 29 September - 01 October 2023, pp.43-44
AN UNUSUAL FLAP OPTION IN
EXTREMITY SOFT TISSUE RECONSTRUCTION
INTRODUCTION
The dorsal and volar surfaces of
both the upper extremity and the lower extremity generally have a thin and
flexible covering, although there may be some variation in thickness. Different
flaps have been defined for defects of various sizes that develop in these
regions after injury.
The aim of this study is to
present the results of a different option we try to use in some cases for
defects of the hand and foot.
MATERIAL AND METHOD
In 2023, two patients’ defects were
reconstructed with free superolateral genicular artery flap. In both patients, the location of the
possible flap pedicle and the possible pedicle length were examined with CT
angiography and Doppler USG within the framework of preoperative planning.
RESULTS
Both patients were male. The patient with a trans-metacarpal amputation level on the hand was 27 years old, while the patient with a non-healing wound that splint related on the heel was 21 years old. For preoperative evaluation, the flap pedicle was detected on CT angiograms, and the estimated pedicle length was around 5 cm for both patients. The donor sites were closed primarily. No complications were observed in the early period.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
Flaps with different characteristics
have been described in the literature for defects located in various parts of
the hand and foot. One of the important reasons for the need for late revision
is the bulky appearance of the flap. For this problem, flap thinning can be
done with different techniques.
We think the lateral side of the
distal thigh, has a thinner structure than other donor areas. The superior
lateral genicular artery is the source artery, and with a pedicle approximately
5 cm long. Although this flap we are trying to use has a shorter pedicle and
cannot provide wide-area coverage, we think it is an option that should be kept
in mind as it can provide tendon reconstruction as well as a thin flap option
for soft tissue coverage, especially for defects of the hand or foot.