The Sensory Potential of Free Flap Donor Sites

Abstract

Microneurovascular techniques make transfer of innervated soft tissue a reality. The present study investigated the sensory potential of four such donor sites: volar wrist, dorsal hand, dorsal foot, and great toe. Normal moving and static two-point discrimination values for these areas are reported. A sensory reeducation protocol demonstrated that even these normal values may be improved with training. This suggests that the full potential of transferred innervated soft tissue may best be achieved by incorporating sensory reeducation routinely in the postoperative rehabilitation program.