Digital skin defect management: Hand and wrist volar flap solutions

The management of digit skin defects is significantly challenging, with injuries primarily addressed at regional or community hospitals. Conservative treatment is a viable option for defects measuring 1.0–1.5 cm; however, full epithelialization can require up to 2 months, and some patients may not achieve complete healing [1]. Regarding defects sized >1.0–1.5 cm or with bone or tendon exposure, or for patients desiring prompt wound closure, surgical intervention is frequently the preferred option. Nevertheless, since relatively inexperienced practitioners frequently treat these injuries, a reconstructive ladder has been devised to aid surgeons in selecting the appropriate reconstruction option [2]. Key principles for successful soft tissue reconstruction in the digits involve mimicking the defect, preserving mobility, and maintaining sensory function. However, choosing the optimal flap can be challenging, particularly for inexperienced surgeons, considering the several reconstructive options and insufficient evidence supporting one flap type's superiority over another [3]. Therefore, this study introduces four effective hand flaps for addressing volar skin defects and transverse and oblique cuts, explores the optimal flap advancement distance, and discusses the most effective management strategies.

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