ABSTRACT
This case report describes the salvage of an avascular thumb by retrograde venous
arterialization. The thumb survived with a 30 percent tissue loss at the radial aspect.
Soft-tissue reconstruction and contour correction were achieved with a new microvascular
free flap-the free “kite” flap-from the con-tralateral index finger. Aesthetic and
functional results were excellent, and the patient returned to his original occupation.
It can be concluded that retrograde arterialization can provide successful salvage
in replantation and revascularization under favorable circumstances.
