Management of Degloving Injuries of the Hand Using Abdominal Flaps- A Reliable and Durable Reconstructive Option

Abstract

BACKGROUND Degloving injuries of the hand are quite common due to industrial injuries and road traffic accidents. In most of the cases, only the skin and subcutaneous tissue is avulsed leaving behind intact tendons and vessels. Early debridement and immediate flap cover are vital to prevent infection and to restore proper hand function. Delayed intervention and skin grafting over the exposed tendons result in compromised function of the hand. We describe abdominal flap as a durable option to cover these degloved hands. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of abdominal flap as a reconstructive option to manage the avulsion injury of hand due to industrial injuries and road traffic accidents. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present study includes case series of 30 degloving injury of hand treated by abdominal flaps, in the