Free “Kite” Flap: A New Flap for Reconstruction of Small Hand Defects

Michael Pelzer; Michael Sauerbier; Günter Germann; Markus Tränkle

doi:10.1055/s-2004-830000

Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Table of Contents

J Reconstr Microsurg 2004; 20(5): 367-372
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-830000

Free “Kite” Flap: A New Flap for Reconstruction of Small Hand Defects

Michael Pelzer¹ , Michael Sauerbier¹ , Günter Germann¹ , Markus Tränkle¹

¹Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG, Trauma Center, University of Heidelberg, Germany

Abstract

Small, thin, and pliable flaps are frequently required in hand surgery to reconstruct defects in functionally important areas such as the pulp or the “contact zones” of the digits. The innervated first metacarpal artery flap (“kite” flap) is a reliable procedure to restore sensibility in the thumb and the digits. Four microsurgical (free) kite flaps to the hand were performed between February, 1993 and August, 1999 in male patients. Follow-up examinations were performed in three patients. The static two-point discrimination in the kite flaps ranged from 8 to 15 mm and did not show any difference compared to flaps from the foot described in the literature. Semmes-Weinstein testing results ranged from normal to protective sensation with a normal sharp vs. dull discrimination. A free kite flap provides a valuable, safe alternative to venous flaps or other free flaps for reconstruction of small defects in the hand

KEYWORDS

Kite flap - pulp - digit

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References

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Michael PelzerM.D.

Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Center, BG, Trauma Center, University of Heidelberg

Ludwig Guttmann Str. 13, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany