DORSALIS PEDIS NEUROVASCULAR FLAP, OUR EXPERIENCE

Objective: Analyze the donor site morbidity of the dorsalis pedis neurovascular flap in traumatic injuries with hand tissue loss. Material and Methods: The study involved dorsalis pedis neurovascular flaps that were used to reconstruct the hands of eight male patients, between 1983 and 2003, aged between 21 and 53 years (mean 34.6, SD +/- 10.5 years). The size of the lesions ranged from 35 to 78 cm2 (mean 53, SD +/- 14.4 cm2). Surgical procedures were performed two to 21 days after the injuries had occurred. The patients were followed up for an average of 10.3 years (ranging 8-14, SD +/- 2.1 years). Results: Regarding the donor site, in one case there was hematoma formation, which was drained; in another case, the skin graft needed to be reassessed. All patients experienced delayed healing, with complete healing from 2 to 12 months after the surgery (mean 4.3, SD +/- 3.2 months). Conclusion: Despite the advantages of the dorsalis pedis neurovascular flap, we consider that the sequelae in the donor site is cosmetically unacceptable. Nowadays, this procedure is only indicated and justified when associated with the second toe transfer. Level of Evidence IV; Case series.