A Comparative Study between Different Types of Local Flaps used for Soft Tissue Reconstruction of Volar Thumb Defects

The thumb plays an important role in hand function. Daily tasks involving pinch, grip, grasp and precise handling are more easily accomplished with an opposable thumb, Loss of thumb diminish much the hand abilities and function [1]. Soft tissue injuries of the hand frequently require flap coverage, either to preserve structures or even to facilitate later reconstruction [2]. The absence of the thumb, whether due to failure of formation or loss from trauma, significantly impairs hand function [3,4]. The goals of thumb reconstruction are sensate and non tender thumb tip, stability of thumb joints, adequate length to resist the forces of the fingers, correct posture and postioning of the thumb with a wide adductor space [5].