Haitao Tan - Orthopedics Department, The Eight Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, ۵۳۷۱۰۰, Guigang, China
Xiang Luo - Orthopedics Department, The Eight Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, ۵۳۷۱۰۰, Guigang, China
Keqin Yang - Orthopedics Department, The Eight Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, ۵۳۷۱۰۰, Guigang, China
Jianzhong Jiang - Orthopedics Department, The Eight Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, ۵۳۷۱۰۰, Guigang, China
Pingou Wei - Orthopedics Department, The Eight Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, ۵۳۷۱۰۰, Guigang, China
Jinming Zhao - Department of Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, ۵۳۰۰۰۰, Nanning, China

Background:   To introduce our experience of using the free neurovascular flap from great and second toe. Methods:   Thirteen patients (fifteen fingers) sought surgical treatment for soft tissue defects of the hand at our medical institutin between March ۲۰۰۶ and September ۲۰۰۹. In two patients, fibular side skin-nail flaps of great toe were applied to cover the dorsal defect of distal thumb. In twelve, in the treatment of pulp defect of finger with fibular side flap of great toe or tibial side flap of second toe. In one, in the treatment of defect of distal middle with composite flap with distal digital bone of second toe. Results:   All flaps were survived. The average subjective satisfaction score was ۸.۰۸ (range ۴-۱۰). Nine patients (۶۹%) experienced cold intolerance, and ۲ patients (۱۵%) dysesthesia. The Semmes-Weinstein sensitivity score was between ۳.۴۷and ۴.۷۲ on the flap, and ۰-۴.۱۸ on the donor site. The mean two-point discrimination was ۶.۸ mm (range ۴-۱۲). Grip strength was ۱۰% less than in the unaffected hand. The proximal interphalangeal mobility loss was less than ۱۵ degrees. Conclusions:   Our results indicated that these free flaps from toe are useful for patients with a small soft-tissue defect in hand.

Free neurovascular flap, Hand tissue defect, Toe