Treatment of Defects on the Volar Surface of the Finger using the Dorsal Digital–metacarpal Flap Versus the Free Medial Plantar Artery Flap: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background Few cases are reported on the treatment of defects on the volar surface of the finger, and its utility for digital resurfacing remains unclear. This study compared the outcomes of the free medial plantar artery flap (MPAF) and dorsal digital–metacarpal flap (DDMF) in finger reconstruction. Methods This cohort study was conducted on 24 patients who had soft-tissue defects on the volar side of the finger from March 2014 to March 2017. The patients were divided into the following 2 groups: the MPAF group and the DDMF group. The operative time as well as complications, including flap necrosis, graft loss, infection, paresthesia, donor-site morbidity, and two-point discrimination (2-PD) were carefully recorded. The Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) was applied to conduct follow-up assessment. Results After more than 12 months of follow-up, the results were significant. In terms of overall function, MPAF was superior to DDMF (p < 0.005). Conclusion The MPAF and the DDMF are available and reliable for reconstruction of the volar surface of the finger; however, the MPAF offers better functional outcomes with a lower frequency of postoperative complications.