The Use of Distal Ulnar Artery Perforators in the Coverage of Wrist and Hand Defects,
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- Category: Vol. 84, March 2016
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The Use of Distal Ulnar Artery Perforators in the Coverage of Wrist and Hand Defects, HUSAM HOSNY, HAMED M. KADRY and OMAR A. EL-SHARKAWY
Abstract
Background: Recent advances in perforator flap design have increased their popularity in coverage of complex wounds. A lot of studies have been made over the use of radial artery perforator flaps in the coverage of hand and wrist defects, however little has been discussed about the usage of ulnar artery perforator flaps. The goal of this study is to discuss the applications of distal ulnar artery perforator flaps in the coverage of hand and wrist defects.
Methods: This study included 10 patients presenting with various defects. Seven patients had defects over wrist and distal forearm, while 3 patients had defects over the hand. Distal ulnar artery perforators were used to design flaps to cover these defects.
Results: Successful stable coverage was achieved in all 10 cases. Seven cases healed uneventfully while minor com-plications were encountered in the form of partial loss in one case and infection in 2 cases. Five cases were designed as propeller flaps and rotated 180º while 5 cases had a skin pedicle and were rotated 90º.
Conclusion: Distal ulnar artery perforator flaps offer a reliable method for reconstruction of defects in the wrist and proximal hand. They are suitable in the treatment of complex cases with extensive soft tissue loss and associated injuries. The flaps are thin, pliable, and robust. The skin is not hirsute. The scar is relatively inconspicuous. It is also a one stage procedure and does not require the sacrifice of a main vessel.