Fingertip reconstruction: study of functional and cosmetic results of various local flaps and grafting techniques in patients attending a tertiary care center in North India

Background: Finger injuries are becoming more common with the increasing use of mechanical, industrial, and household appliances. There are six main types of repair for this injury. The replacement of skin loss in digital injuries, particularly on the volar aspects, is an important part of hand-injury management. It would be of value to know the best type of cover, especially for sensory reinnervation as well as for subjective evaluation, cosmetic appearance and freedom from complications. The objective of this study was to measure incidence of age, sex, site, pattern of injury as well as to evaluate and compare the functional and cosmetic results of the various local flap and grafting techniques in finger reconstruction distal to metacarpophalangeal joint.Methods: In a prospective study between May 2014 to October 2018 consisting of 50 patients (43 males, 7 females), aged between 2 years and 54 years, with soft tissue loss distal to metacarpophalangeal joint were treated with either free split-thickness skin grafts, palmar flaps, cross-finger flap or pedicle flaps from the abdomen. The follow-up period ranged from 10 days to 15 months from the date of surgery. Subjective and objective evaluation was done and graded as excellent, good, fair and poor.Results: In this series there were 2 good and 6 fair results for split skin grafting; 9 good and 6 fair results for v-y plasty; 5 excellent, 12 good and 4 fair results for cross finger flap; 1 good and 1 fair result for radial artery based flap; 1 excellent and 1 good for first metacarpal artery based flap and 2 good results for abdominal flap. Overall 6(12%) had excellent, 27(54%) had good and 17(34%) had fair results. None of them had poor results.Conclusions: The group of patients with cross-finger flaps had less subjective complaints and more normal objective testing results than the other groups. When an extensive tactile pad avulsion exists, the cross-finger pedicle flap offers the best long-term result with fewer secondary problems. The exclusive use of any one method cannot be advocated since each serves an useful purpose under proper conditions.

Use of partial nail carried by great toe fibular flap for repairing the defect of fingertip soft tissue and nail bed: 12 cases report / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To investigate the method and clinical outcome of partial nail carried by great toe fibular flap for repairing the defect of fingertip soft tissue and nail bed.Methods From June,2016 to October,2017,12 cases suffered the defect of fingertip soft tissue and nail bed.The injury fingers included 5 index fingers,6 mindle fingers and 1 ring finger.All cases were complicated with nail bed defect of different degrees.The nail matrix was intact.The area of fingertip defect ranged from 1.0 cm×1.0 cm to 1.5 cm×2.5 cm.The area of nail bed defect ranged from 0.2 cm×0.8 cm to 0.5 cm×1.5 cm.Great toe fibular flap combine with partial nail was harvested.Donor site was directly sutured or skin grafting according to the size.The regular preoperative followed-up was performed.Results All flaps survived with donor sites healing good.The average followed-up time was 7 (ranging from 2 to 10) months,and cosmetically acceptable results were achieved for all patients.The mean static 2-PD in the flaps was 7.5 (range,6.0 to 8.0) mm.No obvious deformity of the great toe nail.Conclusion Findings proved that using partial nail carried by great toe fibular flap is a beneficial microsurgical alternative for reconstructing defect of fingertip soft tissue and nail bed.

Immediate Nail Lengthening with the Eponychial Folding Procedure in Acute Finger Tip Injury

PURPOSE: We present the clinical results and operative method of the immediate eponychium of nail fold set back for lengthening of nails caused by acute fingertip injuries. METHODS: The research was conducted with a total of 172 patients during the period from January 2014 to June 2016. The operation method was performed in a way to fold down the two sides of the nail eponychium and had suture. A survey of the patients' subjective satisfaction was conducted and the relative nail length was compared before and after the operation as well as the nail length of the uninjured contralateral finger. The mean follow-up period was 18.2 weeks. RESULTS: In all cases, the operation time was under 3 minutes. There were no specific complications such as nail eponychium's necrosis or congestion. The new nail did not have any additional deformation. On average, the extended nail length was 3.2 mm. Compared with preoperation, the average extension ratio of the nail length was 48%, even with 75% of nail length recovery in comparison with the uninjured contralateral finger. The subjective self-satisfaction score was 92.5 on average. The satisfaction score was higher for patients who had greater remnant nail length. CONCLUSION: Immediate nail lengthening with the eponychial folding is a simple, safe and useful method with high subjective satisfaction in aesthetics for the patients with acute fingertip injuries.

Resultados de la aplicación de colgajos homodigitales neurovascularizados en los defectos cutáneos del pulpejo digital / Résultats de l'utilisation du lambeau neurovasculaire homodigital dans les défauts de la pulpe digitale / Results of the Application of Neurovascular Homodigital Flaps on Cutaneous Defects of Digital Fingertips

Introducción: las lesiones traumáticas de las manos encabezan la lista de accidentes laborales industriales. El tratamiento de estas lesiones tiene como objetivo restablecer la función de la punta del dedo, mejorando la calidad de vida del paciente. Objetivo: evaluar resultados de la aplicación de colgajos homodigitales neurovascularizados en las lesiones con pérdida compleja de sustancia del pulpejo digital de los dedos largos de la mano . Método: se realizó una investigación de tipo observacional, descriptiva de serie de casos en 33 pacientes con lesión del pulpejo digital de los dedos largos de la mano en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras en el período comprendido desde el 1ro. de octubre de 2013 hasta el 30 de enero de 2015; se aplicaron colgajos homodigitales neurovascularizados monopediculados de circulación directa (17 pacientes) o indirecta (16 pacientes). Resultados: el sexo más afectado fue el masculino, con una mayor frecuencia en los pacientes entre 36-41 y > 41 años edad. Se constataron 4 complicaciones (12 por ciento de la muestra en estudio). Con la aplicación de las técnicas quirúrgicas se logró 72,7 por ciento de resultados entre excelentes y buenos, así como una adecuada sensibilidad protectora y una cobertura cutánea satisfactoria. La satisfacción de los pacientes fue significativa (93,9 por ciento). Conclusiones: se demostró la eficacia de la aplicación de los colgajos homodigitales neurovascularizados en las pérdidas complejas de sustancia del pulpejo en los dedos largos de la mano(AU)

Introduction: traumatic injuries of the hand are in the top list of industrial working accidents. The treatment of these injuries has as goal to restore the function of fingertips, improving the patients' quality of life. Objective: evaluate results of the application of neurovascular homodigital flaps on cutaneous defects of digital fingertips of the hand large fingers. Method: an observational and descriptive investigation was conducted in a case chain of 33 patients at Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital from October 2013 to January 2015. Neurovascular homodigital flaps were applied with direct circulation (17 patients) or indirect circulation (16 patients). Results: male sex was more affected, frequency higher was between 36 and 41 years old and over 41 years old. Four complications were confirmed representing 12 percent 72.7 percent obtained good and excellent results with the application of these surgical techniques receiving an appropriate protector of sensibility and satisfactory cutaneous covering. Application of these procedures was 93.9 percent satisfied. Conclusions: the application of neurovascular homodigital flaps was established on cutaneous defects of digital fingertip of the hand large fingers(AU)

Introduction: les lésions traumatiques de la main sont à l'avant-garde des accidents du travail. Le traitement de ces lésions est visé à restaurer la fonction de la pointe du doigt, améliorant ainsi la qualité de vie du patient. Objectif: l'objectif de cette étude est d'évaluer les résultats de l'utilisation du lambeau neurovasculaire homodigital dans le recouvrement des lésions avec une grande perte de substance pulpaire des doigts longs de la main. Méthode: une étude observationnelle et descriptive d'une série de 33 patients, souffrant des lésions pulpaires des doigts longs de la main, a été réalisée à l'hôpital Hermanos Ameijeiras pendant la période comprise entre le 1er octobre 2013 et le 30 janvier 2015; des lambeaux neurovasculaires homodigitaux et monopédiculaires à flux artériel antérograde ont été appliqués chez 17 patients et à flux artériel rétrograde chez 16 patients. Résultats: dans ce groupe, les hommes et les tranches d'âge de 36-41 et >41 ans ont été les plus souvent touchés. Quatre complications ont été constatées (dans 12 pourcent des cas). L'utilisation des techniques chirurgicales a obtenu d'excellents à bons résultats (72,7 pourcent), ainsi qu'une appropriée sensibilisation protectrice et une couverture cutanée satisfaisante. La satisfaction des patients a été significative (93,9 pourcent ). Conclusions: on a constaté l'efficacité du lambeau neurovasculaire homodigital pour le recouvrement des pertes de substance pulpaire des doigts longs de la main(AU)

Reverse Digital Island Flap with Skin Strip Retention to Prevent Flap Congestion

PURPOSE: The reverse digital island flap is useful for the repair of various fingertip injuries. We present a modified surgical technique with skin strip elevation for the prevention of postoperative congestion. METHODS: From January 2005 to October 2015, we performed 31 reconstructive procedures for finger injury using a reverse digital artery island flap with and without skin strip retention. Patients' clinical characteristics, surgical outcomes, and complications were investigated. RESULTS: All flaps survived and there were no donor site problems. The mean follow-up time was 5 months (range, 3-8 months). In skin strip retention group, mild venous congestion was observed in 1 case, although it resolved spontaneously. Another case retained flexion contracture, and 2 patients had stiffness at the distal interphalangeal joint. Whereas, in no retention group, venous congestion was observed in 3 cases, 1 patient had partial flap necrosis and 2 patient suffer in flexion contracture at metacarpophalangeal joint. CONCLUSION: The reverse digital island flap procedure produces consistent results and is reliable for the treatment of fingertip injury. Our modified surgical technique of elevating the flap accompanied by skin strip retention helps prevent postoperative congestion.

A Case Report of Nail Bed Reconstruction with Digital Artery Perforator (DAP) Flap and Buccal Mucosal Graft

PURPOSE: Many fingertip injuries are associated with nail injury and it is hard to repair to original shape due to its unique characteristic. Mucosal graft is used for a defect of the nail bed injury. Hereby, we introduce a DAP flap and buccal mucosal graft, with which we could reduce the defect size of the injured fingertip and donor site morbidity at the same time, without any need for harvesting additional skin from other part of hand. Also, mucosal graft makes good cosmetic and functional outcome of nail. METHODS: This method was performed in a 56-year-old man with fingertip injury on dorsal side of left thumb due to electrical saw. First, DAP flap was performed on the injured finger to reduce the size of the defect of fingertip and cover the bone exposure. Second, nail bed part of the DAP flap was de-epithelized and buccal mucosal graft was done from left side of intraoral cavity wall. RESULTS: Flap and graft survived without any necrosis but some nail bed could not be covered with flap due to insufficient flap size. All wounds healed well and did not present any severe adversary symptoms. CONCLUSION: DAP flap with mucosal graft is an effective method that we can easily apply in reconstruction of fingertip injury. We suggest that the combination of the two procedures makes good functional and cosmetic outcome compared to the usual manner, especially in cases of nail bed injury without distal phalanx bone defect.

Reconstruction of the Soft Tissue Defect of the Finger Using Digital Island Flap with Supercharged Vein

PURPOSE: The heterodigital or homodigital artery island flap is a popular method in reconstruction of finger defects. Sometimes, digital artery island flap has some disadvantages such as postoperative flap edema, congestion, and partial necrosis of the flap margin. However, we could decrease these disadvantages by means of venous superdrainage. The aim of this study is to report usefulness and postoperative results of venous supercharging digital artery island flaps for finger reconstruction. METHODS: From March 2005 to March 2008, a total of eight patients with soft tissue defects in the finger underwent venous supercharging digital island flap transfer. Briefly, the flap is harvested along with dorsal vein that is then anastomosed to the recipient vein in an end-to-end fashion, after flap transfer and insetting. Using this technique, eight patients were operated, whose ages ranged from 23 to 52 years. RESULTS: All the flaps survived with a success rate of 100 percent, thus fully satisfying the reconstructive requirements. No postoperative flap congestion was recognized, obviating the need to take any measures for venous engorgement, such as suture removal. Among 8 cases, it was possible to make an long-term and follow- up observation more than 6 months. In these cases, the fact that light touches and temperature sensations can be detected in all the flaps. Cold intolerance and hyperesthesia were not seen in our series. CONCLUSION: Providing good harmony with conventional methods and microsurgery, inclusion of a vein with the heterodigital and homodigital artery island flap allows a more reliable and safer reconstructive choice for finger defects. The venous supercharged island flap is a reliable flap with a consistent arterial structure, and with its augmented venous drainage, it is more reliable, providing single-stage reconstruction of adjacent finger defects, including the fingertip.

Reconstruction of Fingertip Amputation by Using Digital Artery Perforator Flap

PURPOSE: Fingertip injuries are the most common hand injuries and may lead to significant disability. Knowledge of fingertip anatomy is mandatory to treat these injuries effectively. All surgical techniques used for coverage of fingertip injuries must be based on the nature of the injury and the patient's age. Many authors have studied the method of fingertip reconstruction because goals of these treatments should include maintaining length, sensibility, motions, and appearance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of digital artery perforator flap for fingertip reconstruction without aesthetic and functional problems. METHODS: From November 2006 to March 2007, the authors performed fingertip reconstruction on 3 fingers of 3 patients, aged between 41 to 54 years (average age, 47 years) using digital artery perforator flap. RESULTS: All fingers recovered successfully and there were no necrosis of the flap. We followed up 3 cases more than 5 months. Light touch and temperature sensation could be detected in all flaps and the static two-point discrimination test was 8 mm. CONCLUSION: This flap is an alternative choice for coverage of fingertip defects. This method also takes short time to procedure and to recovery. The digital artery perforator flap has never been reported in Korea, however it is considered as a useful method for treatment of fingertip injury.

Immediate Microsurgical Reconstruction of Fingertip Injuries

During the recent 8 years, 45 fingertip injuries were reconstructed with immediate microsurgical free flap in 36 patients. There were 21 patients of pulp reconstruction (great toe pulp flap 8 cases, pulp flap from the second toe 3 cases, innervated arterialized venous flap 5 cases and first web space flap 5 cases) for pulp defect proximal to the most distal palmar crease of the fingers, 5 cases of onychocutaneous flap for thumb nail reconstruction, and 10 cases of partial toe transfer(partial great toe transfer 8 cases and second toe wrap-around procedure 2 cases). Overall survival rate of flap transfer was 97.2%(35/36). The static 2-point discrimination averaged 8 mm in pulp reconstruction of the thumb, 12 mm in index and 16 mm for other fingertip reconstruction. There was 1-2 mm atrophy of the nail width after onychocutaneous flap for thumb nail reconstruction. The subjective satisfaction of self-assessment score on the new fingertip was 85 and 88 of the thumb reconstruction in function and appearance, respectively. The score of the index was higher than that of other fingers. Immediate microsurgical reconstruction of the fingertip injuries provides many advantages over other procedures such as single stage reconstruction, early exercise and shortened convalescent period, and high satisfaction score by self-assessment in both functional and aesthetic aspects. Therefore, immediate microsurgical reconstruction of fingertip injury is a safe and reliable procedure in case of limited indications.

FINGERTIP COVERAGE WITH LARGE NEUROVASCULAR ROTATION FLAP AND Z-PLASTY

The purpose of this study is to introduce a new method for fingertip coverage for cases of soft tissue only defects and finger tip amputations including bone. 86 lingers in 67 patients haute undergone coverage with a large rotation flap based on digital artery and nerve and Z-plashy after fingertip amputation or finger pulp avulsion from October 1991 to December 1995. There were 53 thumbs, 12 index fingers, 5 long fingers, 3 ring fingers and 13 little fingers. All injured fingers had exposure of the distal phalanx bone. A large volar flap based on either the radial or ulnar aspect including both digital neurovascular bundles was elevated just abode the pulleys and flexor tendon sheath after longitudinal incision along the lateral border of the digit. Then a large Z-plasty was performed at the MP joint crease to release the tension. The volar flap was easily rotated to cover the fingertip and was sutured with slight flexion of the interphalangeal joints. All fingertip defects healed completely. These flaps successfully covered the fingertip, and up 2/3 of the distal phalanx on the volar or lateral aspect. Sensation returned to normal and fingers could be fully extended within 3 months of surgery. All patients only required a single operation for complete fingertip coverage and did not require bony shortening. We conclude that this large rotation, axial pattern, neurovascular flap and Z-plasty provided a durable, completely sensate, well vascularized coverage fort the fingertip with minimal discomfort for the patient.