Anatomical and Clinical Comparison of Small Free Flaps for Repairing Finger Skin Defects

Abstract The reconstruction of finger defects requires improved functional outcomes and acceptable esthetic outcomes, and small free flaps present a good alternative technique for repairing finger skin defects. From January 2006 to December 2018, we investigated the number and diameter of proximal digital artery perforators, medial plantar artery perforators, and peroneal proper plantar digital arteries of the hallux by dissection and then transplanted free digital arterial perforator flaps, free medial plantar flaps, and free peroneal flaps from the hallux to repair small finger skin defects. The number (SD) of perforators from the medial plantar artery was approximately 2.2 (0.5), and these perforators measured 0.53 (0.20) mm in diameter. The diameter (SD) of the first metatarsal dorsal artery was approximately 1.16 (0.30) mm. A total of 25 patients were included in this study. The transplantation times (SD) for free digital arterial perforator flaps, free medial plantar flaps, and free peroneal flaps from the hallux were 3.5 (0.5) hours, 3.2 (0.7) hours, and 2.0 (0.4) hours, respectively. The follow-up period ranged from 8 to 15 months. All flaps survived and were appropriately shaped. The donor site was either covered with a free flap or directly sutured. Among these 3 types of small flaps, the free peroneal flap from the hallux can be recommended for clinical use because of the large diameter of the contributing vessels, the short operative time, the ease of access, and the improved appearance of the donor site.