Original Article
An anatomical study of free hallux flap for repair of soft tissue defect of the thumb
Letian Sun, Shujian Hou, Guoliang Cheng, Yaping Liu
Published 2016-04-10
Cite as Chin J Hand Surg, 2016, 32(2): 123-124. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1005-054X.2016.02.023
Abstract
ObjectiveTo provide guidance for improving the surgical techniques of hallux free flap transfer for repair of thumb defects, the course, distribution and dimensions at different planes of blood vessels to the great toe were studied.
Methods26 fresh cadaver foot specimens were dissected. Macro- and microsurgical dissection, vascular corrosion casting and cross-sectional dissection were carried out to observe and measure the arteries and veins to the great toe.
ResultsThe maximum diameter of the plantar fibular artery to the great toe was (0.78±0.05) mm at the proximal 1/3 of the distal phalanx, (0.96±0.07) mm at the interphalangeal joint, (1.06±0.16) mm at the distal 1/3 of the proximal phalanx, (1.13±0.28) mm at the proximal 1/3 of the proximal phalanx, and (1.32±0.31) mm at the metatarsophalangeal joint. The maximum diameter of the dorsal hallux veins was (0.40±0.04) mm at the proximal 1/3 of the distal phalanx, (0.52±0.16) mm at the interphalangeal joint, (0.68±0.16) mm at the distal 1/3 of the proximal phalanx, (0.81±0.21) mm at the proximal 1/3 of the proximal phalanx, and (1.06±0.32) mm at the metatarsophalangeal joint.
ConclusionThe main blood supply of the hallux free flap comes from the plantar fibular artery to the great toe. Dorsal veins of the great toe are the most important vessel for venous drainage.
Key words:
Hallux; Dissection; Surgical flaps; Finger injuries
Contributor Information
Letian Sun
Department of Hand Surgery, No 401 Hospital of PLA, Qingdao 266071, China
Shujian Hou
Guoliang Cheng
Yaping Liu