Functional and aesthetic recovery of the second toe defect using a wrap-around pedicled flap from the great toe

J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2023 Oct;48(9):926-929. doi: 10.1177/17531934231181329. Epub 2023 Jun 19.

Abstract

We report the results of using a fibula-sided digital artery pedicled flap from the great toe to cover the second toe free flap donor site, which avoids delayed wound healing, and prevents pain and skin ulceration. This study included 15 patients who had second toe wrap-around free flaps to reconstruct thumb and finger defects. All 15 pedicled flaps used to cover the defect healed uneventfully. All patients were able to stand and walk and were satisfied with the postoperative aesthetic outcome at the 6-month follow-up. We conclude that this an effective procedure for preventing donor site defects after second toe wrap-around free flap transfer.Level of evidence: IV.

Keywords: Wrap-around flap; big toe; donor site; pedicled flap; skin graft.

MeSH terms

  • Finger Injuries* / surgery
  • Free Tissue Flaps*
  • Hallux* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Skin Transplantation
  • Thumb / surgery
  • Toes / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wound Healing