Littler Flap: A reliable option in soft tissue defects of different fingers
Journal Title: Cumhuriyet Medical Journal - Year 2016, Vol 38, Issue 4
Abstract
Objective: Finger soft tissue defects are common following trauma, burn, and contracture release. Heterodigital neurovascular island flap is one of the important flaps used for this purpose. However, it is generally used for the repair of pulp defects involving first finger, it is also useful for defects involving other fingers. In this study, we presented our clinical findings on the use of and outcomes associated with Littler flap in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects involving not only first finger, but also different fingers. Method: This descriptive study included 13 patients (9 males, 4 females) who were treated with a neurovascular island flap for different finger soft tissue defect between August 2012 and June 2014. Tissue defect was located the thumb in 4 patients, index finger in 4 patients, middle finger in 3 patients and ring finger in 2 patients. We evaluated sensibility and range of motion of the injured finger and donor finger. Results: In the study group, all flaps survived completely. At a mean follow-up of 12 months, the results of the donor and reconstructed fingers regarding range of motion showed that all patients achieved excellent or good results. The donor-site morbidity was accepted. The patients rarely complained of pain or the cold intolerance of the flap. Conclusions: The most important reason for the preference given to this flap in the reconstruction of finger defects is a reliable option due to constant pedicle for flap viability, single stage procedure, early mobilization of the hand, good functional and cosmetic result. Our opinion is that a littler flap should be used in different finger defects since it is highly useful and reliable in terms of flap complications and donor field morbidities.
Authors and Affiliations
Ali Rıza Yıldırım, Murat İğde, Mehmet Tapan, Mehmet Onur Öztürk, Burak Yaşar, Ramazan Erkin Ünlü
Keywords
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- EP ID EP238258
- DOI 10.7197/cmj.v38i4.5000180330
- Views 152
- Downloads 0
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