An anatomical study of free hallux flap for repair of soft tissue defect of the thumb

Objective To provide guidance for improving the surgical techniques of hallux free flap transfer for repair of thumb defects, the course, distribution and dimensions at different planes of blood vessels to the great toe were studied. Methods 26 fresh cadaver foot specimens were dissected. Macro- and microsurgical dissection, vascular corrosion casting and cross-sectional dissection were carried out to observe and measure the arteries and veins to the great toe. Results The maximum diameter of the plantar fibular artery to the great toe was (0.78±0.05) mm at the proximal 1/3 of the distal phalanx, (0.96±0.07) mm at the interphalangeal joint, (1.06±0.16) mm at the distal 1/3 of the proximal phalanx, (1.13±0.28) mm at the proximal 1/3 of the proximal phalanx, and (1.32±0.31) mm at the metatarsophalangeal joint. The maximum diameter of the dorsal hallux veins was (0.40±0.04) mm at the proximal 1/3 of the distal phalanx, (0.52±0.16) mm at the interphalangeal joint, (0.68±0.16) mm at the distal 1/3 of the proximal phalanx, (0.81±0.21) mm at the proximal 1/3 of the proximal phalanx, and (1.06±0.32) mm at the metatarsophalangeal joint. Conclusion The main blood supply of the hallux free flap comes from the plantar fibular artery to the great toe. Dorsal veins of the great toe are the most important vessel for venous drainage. Key words: Hallux; Dissection; Surgical flaps; Finger injuries