Objective
Soft tissue defects in distal limbs are not uncommon after traumatic injury. The reconstruction of such defects is sometimes challenging because of lack of adjacent soft tissue for direct closure or the use of local flap, and functional and aesthetic issues are more crucial in the areas involving hands or feet. A thin, unbulky free tissue transfer is an ideal option for achieving the goal of functional and aesthetically pleasing reconstructions. This study aims to report our experience of using free superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap (SCIP) to reconstruct the post-traumatic distal limb defect.

Materials and Methods
Between 2017 and 2022, a total of 13 patients with distal limb defects after traumatic injury underwent microsurgical reconstruction with a SCIP flap. The defects were located on the upper extremities in 8 patients and the lower extremities in 5 patients. A certain number of flap thinning were performed to minimize the bulkiness, and thus restoring the functionality and an aesthetically satisfactory appearance.

Results
The average age of the patients was 39.8 ± 15.3 years. The average size of the flap was 13.5 ± 3.4 x 6.7 ± 1.5 cm. The average length of the flap was 5.2 ± 1.3 cm. Two flaps failed due to unsalvageable venous thrombosis. Two flaps encountered salvageable vessel thrombosis. Other flaps survived without major complications. During the average follow-up duration of 7.4 ± 4.8 months, the functional and aesthetic outcomes were satisfactory after an average of 1 ± 1.2 times of flap revisions.

Conclusions
With a thin skin paddle, SCIP flap is a reliable and effective option for the reconstruction of post-traumatic distal limb defects.