The Free Flap Based on a Single Proximal Perforator of Radial Artery: the Ultrasonography Study and Clinical Applications in Reconstruction of Digital Defect

Abstract

Background: To locate the anastomosable constant perforator of radial artery on the proximal forarm using ultrasonography, and describe the application of free radial artery flap based on a single proximal perforator in the reconstruction of digital soft tissue defects. Methods: In 20 forarms (10 right and 10 left) from 10 volunteers, the perforators in the proximal half of forarm from radial artery were visualized by ultrasonography. Then the free radial artery perforator flaps based on the single perforator were used for reconstruction of small digital soft tissue defects in 4 cases between October 2017 and May 2018. Results: Of the 20 forarms, anastomosable perforator was constantly detected from the radial artery in the proximal half of forarm. The diameter of the perforator was 0.7±0.1 mm, the pedicle length is 12±3 mm by ultrasonography. Ther location of the perforator is far from elbow crease 8.8±1.4 cm, and the relative distance of the perforator location from elbow crease to wrist crease is 37.2% ± 4.8%. In clinical cases, all the flaps were complete survival. Flap size ranged from 3.5 to 6.5 cm in length and 2.3 to 3.0 cm in width. Donor sites of forearm were closed primarily in all cases. During a mean period of 12 months (8-14 months) follow-up, there were satisfactory results of digital function and cosmesis,and no functional impairments at the donor sites. Conclusions: There is an anastomosable perforator consistent located on the radial artery in the proximal half of forarm. The free radial artery small flap based on this single perforator provides acceptable functional and cosmetic outcomes for the reconsturction of digital soft tissue defects . With the preservation of the main vessel (radial artery) of forearm, this flap provides another reliable option for handsurgery surgeon to reconstruct small digital defects.