The Versatile Vascularized Second Metacarpal-Base Bone Graft

Abstract

Vascularized bone grafts of the wrist and hand help to achieve bone union in various clinical settings such as bone fusion or nonunion treatment. Among the multiple possible donor sites, the base of the second metacarpal is convenient because of its relatively straightforward harvesting, lack of impairment of the hand vascularization, sufficient bone supply for small joint fusion and phalanx or metacarpal nonunion management. The flap is versatile as it can reach any carpal and metacarpal bone as well as the proximal phalanx of all fingers. The arc of rotation of the flap depends on which side of the dorsal intercarpal arch it is based, either radially or ulnarly. It can also be pedicled distally by a retrograde flow through the second dorsal metacarpal artery. The robust vascularization of the flap allows for reliable healing. We present five new indications in various clinical settings that illustrate the versatility of the arc of rotation of the flap.