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.

Clinical analysis of the reverse digital island flap

Fingertip injuries represent the most common type of injuries were seen in the upper extrimity. Reconstruction of a injured digit needs good aesthetic result as well as functional recovery. From August 1994 to August 1996, sixty two digits in the fifty four patients were treated by using the reverse digital island flaps. The age of the patients ranged from 13 to 64 years. We reviewed the medical records of our cases and analyzed them in several aspects. Majority of the cases (79%) were covered primarily. Neurorrhaphy was performed in 26 digits (42%). The survival of these flaps was successful in all cases except one case. The mean values of the static two point discrimination in sensate and nonsensate flaps were 6.5 mm and 10.3 mm retrospectively. In this study, venous congestion was the most common early complication (9.6%). Arterial insufficiency and flap loss (6.4%) were the troublesome early complications. Bulky mushroom shaped flap (24.6%), scar contracture (6.4%), paronychia (8.2%), cold intolerance (9.6%), hyperesthesia (3.2%) and flap atrophy (4.8%) were the late complications. In conclusion, despites of its complications, reverse digital island flap provide durable skin cover, superior aesthetic result and excellent sensory restoration.