Distally based Chinese forearm flap in preventing impending necrosis from ring entrapment: Surgical case report

TL;DR

A surgical technique using a Chinese forearm flap successfully prevented finger necrosis and amputation in a case of severe ring entrapment.

Contribution

Demonstrates the effectiveness of the distally based Chinese forearm flap in managing ring entrapment with impending necrosis.

Findings

The CFA flap provided reliable vascularization and effective wound closure for the affected finger.

The flap's thin and non-bulky skin paddle allowed for functional recovery without excessive tissue volume.

The surgical approach averted amputation and preserved finger viability and function.

Abstract

Ring entrapment is a medical condition that can lead to severe consequences, including nerve damage, ischemia, and impending necrosis. The condition often necessitates surgical intervention to prevent complications such as amputation.

We report a case of a 49-year-old male with impending necrosis of the right little finger due to steel ring entrapment. The patient presented with severe edema, signs of infection, and undetected finger saturation on pulse oximetry.

The Distally Based Chinese Forearm Flap (CFA) was used for soft tissue coverage, which has advantages like reliable vascularization and long pedicle rotation. The CFA flap has shown to be effective in restoring perfusion to the distal tissue and facilitating early wound closure.

The use of CFA in this case resulted in a viable flap and good finger function, demonstrating its effectiveness in managing impending necrosis due to ring entrapment.

•Unique management of ring entrapment in the little finger, averting amputation outcome, and successfully preventing necrosis.•The use of a Distally Based Chinese Forearm Flap (CFA) provided effective healing and functionality.•The chosen flap offered adequate vascularization and a thin, non-bulky skin paddle, vital for sufficient wound closure without excessive tissue volume.

Unique management of ring entrapment in the little finger, averting amputation outcome, and successfully preventing necrosis.

The use of a Distally Based Chinese Forearm Flap (CFA) provided effective healing and functionality.

The chosen flap offered adequate vascularization and a thin, non-bulky skin paddle, vital for sufficient wound closure without excessive tissue volume.

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