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Functional pectoralis minor muscle flap transplantation for reconstruction of thumb opposition: An anatomic study and clinical applications
Author(s) -
Zhuang YongQing,
Xiong HongTao,
Fu Qiang,
Jiang HaoLi,
Fu XiaoKuan,
Du Dong,
Tong Jing,
Hung LeungKim
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.031
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1098-2752
pISSN - 0738-1085
DOI - 10.1002/micr.20878
Subject(s) - thenar eminence , medicine , neurovascular bundle , carpometacarpal joint , ulnar nerve , thumb , anatomy , surgery , cadaver , transplantation , median nerve , pectoralis major muscle , pectoralis muscle , denervation , alternative medicine , pathology , elbow , osteoarthritis
Abstract In this report, we present the results of an anatomic study on the dimensions of the pectoralis minor muscle and its neurovascular supply in 10 adult human cadavers, in attempt to evaluate the feasibility of microsurgical transplantation of a part of the muscle for thumb opposition reconstruction. A series of five patients consequently underwent thenar reconstruction with the pectoralis minor muscle flap from December 2004 to October 2006. The transferred muscle was reinnervated with the third lumbrical branch of the ulnar nerve. Follow‐up assessment showed that the patients recovered functional opposition of carpometacarpal joint with 24 degrees of pronation, and a muscle power with M4 to M5. All patients were satisfied with the appearance of reconstructed thenar eminence. We recommend this new technique for thenar and opposition reconstruction in patients who have severe loss of thenar muscles, injury to the median nerve, and wish to improve the appearance of thenar eminence. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.