Utility of distal palmar flap in the reconstruction of distal thumb injury

Abstract

Selecting the most appropriate technique for thumb reconstruction depends on multiple factors, including level of injury, status of the remaining hand, age, occupation, overall health, and functional demands of the patient. In this study we used distal palmar flap for reconstructing distal tissue loss of thumb in patients. It was noted that such defects could be treated effectively with regional flap i.e. distal palmar flap, which gives good aesthetic outcome and patient satisfaction, Patient satisfaction was found to be better with palmar crease flap for smaller defects than larger defects, however all of the patients graded satisfaction as good (80%) and very good (20%). Distal palmar flap is a good reconstructive method for thumb reconstruction, as it an easier and non-microvascular technique which retains the thumb length, colour, vascularity and appearance of thumb. Thus, can be safely advocated for use as it has no significant complications associated with the technique.