Ulnar Parametacarpal Flap in the Treatment of Severe Dupuytren Contracture

Abstract

 We report the use of ulnar parametacarpal flaps for skin defects after surgical treatment for severe Dupuytren contractures of the little finger. Five flaps were used for five little fingers. All cases were Meyerding grade 3 and the average patient age was 66.8 years. All cases affected the dominant hand. We confirmed the pulse on the ulnar side of the MP joint with Doppler inspection before operation. The abductor digiti minimi (ADM) fascial flap was elevated from the proximal side and rotated 90 degrees around the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint to cover the skin defect. There was no necrosis of flaps. We assessed the postoperative results according to the percent improvement of total extension loss (MP+PIP). The average percentage improvement was 89.8%. This flap technique is simple and provided stable blood circulation, and therefore, this method is a useful alternative for severe little finger Dupuytren contracture. This study reports the short-term clinical results.