DIGITAL NEUROVASCULAR ISLAND FLAP (LITTLER FLAP )

SOFT TISSUE COVERAGE IN HAND

Abstract

Provision of stable sensate skin is of great importance in
reconstruction of injured thumb. Digital neuro vascular island flap has the potential of transferring sensibility
to the functionally significant pulp of the thumb from a less important part of the hand, such as the middle or
ring finger. Objective: Evaluation of the role of digital neuro vascular island flap for soft tissue coverage in
hand. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Orthopaedic unit Bahawal victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur. Period:
Oct. 1994 to Dec. 1998. Material & Methods: The Littler flap has been used for the reconstruction of soft
tissue defect of thumb in six patients. Results: All patients were male of age ranging 6- 40 Years. Good results
were observed in 5 (83%) patients with 100% survival of the flap. Marginal or superficial necrosis of the flap
was seen in one patient but did not require second procedure.. Conclusion: Digital neuro vascular island flap
(Littler flap ) is recommended to cover the soft tissue defects over the hand especially for resurfacing the thumb.