Limb Salvage Using Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery Graft for a Hand Vibration Syndrome

Abstract

Summary:. A 50-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with a chief complaint of long-standing cold-induced numbness in the fingers for more than a year, accompanied by persistent hand pain and fingertip ulceration for 3 months. On physical examination, radial and ulnar artery pulsation was absent in both limbs, and pale skin color, low skin temperature, and limited finger range of motion were noted. Gangrene was detected in the fingertips of the left index and middle fingers, and the right middle and ring fingers. The patient was diagnosed with bilateral arterial occlusion and vibration white finger. Upon admission, the patient underwent an intervention surgery on the right side. Subsequently, transplantation of the descending branches of the left and right lateral femoral circumflex arteries was performed to restore blood flow in the bilateral radial arteries. Additionally, debridement was conducted without shortening after the surgical procedure, the patient received anticoagulation, anti-inflammatory, and symptomatic treatment. The bilateral finger skin temperature increased by 3 °C postoperatively, and the accompanying pain and numbness were alleviated. The wound healed 1 month after surgery, and no recurrence of pain or ulcer was reported during the 1-year follow-up period. Eventually, his hand function recovered, without any impact on the vascular donor site.