Repair of distal thumb degloving injury using combination of reverse dorsoradial flap of the thumb and middle finger proper digital arterial island flap

BACKGROUND: To examine the efficacy of combination of the reverse dorsoradial flap of the thumb and middle finger proper digital arterial island flap for repair of distal thumb degloving injury. METHODS: Twelve patients with mechanical distal thumb degloving injuries were treated between February 2017 and August 2019. A combination of the reverse dorsoradial flap of the thumb and the middle finger proper digital arterial island flap were used. Semmes–Weinstein (SW) monofilament and static two-point discrimination (S-2PD) tests, active range-of-motion (ROM) of the joints, cold intolerance, visual analog scale (VAS) score patient complications, and patient satisfaction were sequentially evaluated. RESULTS: Two cases with postoperative flap blisters were treated at time of dressing changes up to successful scab formation. One case with postoperative arterial crisis of finger arterial dorsal branch vessel was successfully released in the pedicle. Ten cases healed by first intention and 2 cases by secondary intention. Twelve patients received follow-up examinations between 3 and 20 months (average 13 months) post-treatment, and all exhibited full, soft flaps with no fingertip pain. CONCLUSION: The combined use of the reverse dorsoradial flap of the thumb and the middle finger proper digital arterial island flap is a practical and effective approach to surgical repair of distal thumb degloving injuries.