Saudi Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SJMPS)
Volume-11 | Issue-11 | 1121-1127
Original Research Article
Reverse Dorsal Metacarpal Artery Flap for Coverage of Soft Tissue Defects on Dorsal and Volar Aspects of Medial Four Finger Proximal to the DIP Joint
Dr. Md. Shahin, Dr. Tahera Akhter, Dr. A. K. M. Muniruzzaman, Dr. Mohammad Morshed Kamal, Dr. Nurunnahar Happy, Dr. Md. Obaidul Islam
Published : Nov. 24, 2025
Abstract
Background: The reverse dorsal metacarpal artery flap is a versatile solution for resurfacing soft-tissue defects of fingers. This is a widely used flap to cover finger defects. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka from 1st July, 2018 to 30th June 2019. 30 patients were included in the study. Patient age, gender, defect type, defect location, donor site coverage, flap dimensions, range of motion of the meta-carpophalangeal joint and proximal interphalangeal joint, postoperative complications were evaluated. Follow up period was 3 months. Results: 30 patients underwent coverage of skin defects of the finger proximal to DIP joint with reverse dorsal metacarpal artery flap. All flaps survived completely. Flap size ranged from 2.5 cm 1.5 cm to 5.5cm 3.5 cm. 17 flaps were based on the second dorsal metacarpal artery. Skin paddle was taken from the dorsal aspect of the second, third, and fourth intermetacarpal area. All patients had full range of movement of the reconstructed and donor digits when followed at 3 months after surgery. Conclusions: The reverse dorsal metacarpal artery flap is a flap which is safe, easy to apply in the context of soft tissue coverage procedures and does not result in the loss of finger functions. It also confers excellent aesthetic skin suitability and does not require debulking procedures.