Radical resection of a venous malformation in middle finger and immediate reconstruction using medial plantar artery perforator flap: A case report

Reconstruction of complex defects resulting from radical resection of venous malformation occurring in other digits except the thumb is challenging because a thin and durable flap is required to achieve optimal reconstruction without functional impairment. Here, we describe an alternative reconstruction technique in a young patient. A 15-year-old female patient with venous malformation of the left 3rd finger was treated by radical excision of the tumor including involved skin, distal phalanx, and nail bed followed by reconstruction with free medial plantar artery perforator flap and split thickness nail bed graft from the great toe. Twenty-nine months after surgery, the reconstructed finger showed a acceptable aesthetic result without tumor recurrence and excellent restoration of motor function. This method can be considered as an useful alternative option for management of the digital venous malformation in other digits except the thumb. Indications and technical aspects of this method are discussed in this report. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.