Securing perforator flap perfusion by using dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT) in complex traumatic hand surgery – A case report

A complex traumatic hand injury may pose a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. Perforator flaps provide the surgeon with an option in managing such injuries. Securing perfusion of the perforator flap is essential, as partial, or total flap loss yield poor functional and cosmetic outcome, often requiring reoperation. We report a case of a 28-year-old male suffering a mutilating hand injury after a car accident. Reconstruction was performed with a free microvascular lateral arm flap, and perfusion of the flap was monitored pre-, intra-, and postoperatively with dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT).The purpose of this report is to highlight the usefulness of DIRT as a novel perfusion imaging modality in the management of complex traumatic hand injury.