Clinical effect of free skin flap with superficial palmar branch in the repair of hand injury

LIU Jian-biao

Abstract：Objective To investigate the clinical effect of free skin flap with superficial palmar branch in the repair of hand injury.Methods A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 20 cases[14 males and 6 fe-males aged from 18-49 years with an average age of (33.8 ±12.5)years] of hand trauma patients in our hospital from Jul.2010 to Mar.2013 were carried out to observe the repair effect with TAM( total active movement) recom-mended by American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Results The 20 patients were followed up for 6-12 months [average,(8.7 ±1.4)months].Two patients suffered from infection and two from partial flap necrosis.All sur-vived by dressing and symptomatic treatment. Others were all healed with good skin flap appearance and slight swelling with a similar look to previous looks.All cases achieved good epithelization and X ray showed good heal-ing.Slow nail regeneration occurred in one case,2 developed nail deformity and 2 suffered weaker sense of touch. All cases achieved good function recovery with appropriate exercise after wound healing.Evaluation of hand function after 6 months showed excellent in 14 cases(70%),good in 3 cases (15%),fair in 3 cases (15%).Conclusion Free skin flap with superficial palmar branch in the repair of hand injury achieved good results with high survival rates and good function recovery.