comparison of sole to palm reconstruction using the combined medial plantar and medial pedis free flaps and abdominal pedicle flap for extensive palm injuries

the coverage of soft- tissue defects of the hand specially volar side needs special consideration. although certain local flaps have been described and used for resurfacing the palm, extensive injury requires distant or free flaps for coverage. abdominal pedicle flap has been traditionally used for extensive hand injuries, however there is no doubt that one of the ideal tissues for resurfacing the volar of hand is plantar tissue. we reconstructed the hand with a new procedure of combined medial plantar and medial pedis free flap , and compared it with 15 cases, whom their extensive palm injuries reconstructed with abdominal pedicle flap. the result was significantely better in respect to sensation, texture of the hand and patient satisfaction in compare of abdominal flap.