Experimental study on early division of cross—finger pedicle flap and its clinical application

Objective:To observe the revascularization and the opportunity of cross-finger flap.Methods:An animal model was developed to permit daily monitoring of neovascularization of the flap with autoradiography,tissue transparent technique,gross observation and histological examination.Results:The revascularization of the flap was chiefly raised from the surrounding tissues.The pedicles of 334 cross-finger flaps of the patients were successfully divided from 1 to 5d after operations,averagely 3.3d.All of the cases showed satisfatory results according to a follow-up survey of 3 to 72 mon.the results further proved that the revascularization of the cross-finger flaps had accomplished within 3d.Conclusions:It suggests that the division of a crossfinger flap can be carried out between the 3rd and 5th day after operation with a high degree of safety.