The favorable donor site in microsurgery: Nerve and vein graft harvest from the dorsum of the foot

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In complex hand traumas nerves and vessels are often destructed without the possibility for primary repair. For bridging defects of nerves, veins and arteries grafts are necessary. Commonly nerve and vein grafts from adjacent donor sites as the wrist, forearm or cubital region are harvested. METHODS: This study is a retrospective cohort study. Between 2017 and 2019, 10 patients with complex hand injuries were treated. There were 8 males and 2 females, with an average age of 39 years (range 8–63 years). In all cases grafts were used of the dorsum of the foot for reconstructing of the severed digital nerves and arteries. All donor sites could be closed primarily. RESULTS: In 100%of cases nerves and veins of the dorsum of the foot showed a good size match as well as adequate length for a sufficient repair. The overall Hand Injury Severity Score (HISS) was determined with a median of 86 (range 57 to 286). In the area of the donor site no relevant complications were seen. CONCLUSIONS: In complex hand injuries the dorsum of the foot is a favorable donor site for nerve and vein graft harvest.