Study on clinical characteristics and outcome evaluation of cross finger flap in soft tissue defect of finger at Can Tho Central General Hospital

Abstract

Background: Fingers and hand are important parts of human body and soft tissue defect of fingers are the most common form of hand injuries. There are various techniques used for reconstruction of finger defect but cross finger flap is effective and very simple  procedure without significant complication or require special techniques. Objectives: To examine characteristics of clinical and to evaluate the outcomes of cross finger flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defect of fingers. Materials and methods: 22 patients who had soft tissue defect of fingers who had undergone the cross finger flap cover. We noted mechanism of injury, size of defect, size of the flap, type of cross finger flap was used. Outcome measures recorded were flap viability, flap sensibility using two -point discrimination (TPD), total active motion of fingers (TAM) and patient satisfaction.

Results: Among 22 patients treated with cross finger flap, there were 18 men and 4 women with the average age 38.6±11.4. The most common mode of injury was industrial accident (59.1%). The mean size of the defect was 205.5±86.6mm2 (range: 110mm2-500mm2). The average TPD test measured was 7.6±1.5mm. Full range of motion was obtained in 81.8% of patients. The functional and aesthetic results were satisfactory in 95.5% patients. Conclusion: The cross finger flap is safe and effective method for reconstruction of soft tissue defect of finger. This procedure is simple to perform under local anesthesia and is able to provide both mechanical stability & sensory recovery.