Free iliac flap for treating multiple skin defects of the hand and digits

Abstract

A total of eight cases with multiple skin defects of the hand and digits were resurfaced using a free iliac flap. The lesions involved both the hand and multiple digits in five patients and multiple digits in three patients. The average skin flap size was 89.3 cm2. In three, a piece of of vascularized iliac bone was included. There was no flap loss. Flap debulking was performed in five patients at 10–12 weeks post-surgery during the operation for flap separation and inset. Secondary flap debulking was performed in one patient at 6 months post-surgery. The average static 2-point discrimination was 15.4 mm in five patients, whereas the remaining patients only exhibited sensation to pressure. This procedure may require additional refinement; however, the free iliac flap with technical refinements is a viable option for the treatment of multiple skin defects of the hand and digits.