Distally Based Dorsal Digital Fasciocutaneous Flap for the Repair of Digital Terminal Amputation Defects

Abstract

The preferred plastic surgery regimen for distal digital segment wounds remains unknown, although multiple options are available for the repair. The purpose of this investigation is to study its anatomic rationale and clinical outcomes, in addition to the role of dorsal digital veins in digital reconstruction. Patients (n = 765) suffering from digital terminal segment traumatic wounds (823 digits) were identified and reviewed in a retrospective manner. The wounds were repaired using distally based dorsal digital fasciocutaneous flaps with venoneuroadipofascial pedicles. Skin flaps survived in 818 digits (99.4%), whereas 5 flaps (0.6%) became partially necrotic. Postoperative follow-up data were available from 521 patients involving 559 digits, for an average duration of 10 months (range, 4-36 months). The wider pedicled fascial flap (1.0-1.5 cm) was significantly associated with a decreased occurrence of blebs, whereas the first few patients with pedicled fascial flaps 0.5 to 1.0 cm wide exhibited more frequent occurrence of blebs and flap contractures. The flaps retracted in size within the first 2 to 3 months at the rate of 10% compared with the intraoperative outlined size. The skin flaps became mildly pigmented within the first postoperative month, and at 6 months the flaps turned brighter in color, almost approximating the color of the normal digits. At 12 months, both the texture and appearance of the flaps were acceptable. The donor sites healed without any scar contracture. The digital terminals appeared grossly normal with acceptable digital function. Without any neural reconstruction, skin flap sensation was rated as S2 to S3+, whereas with neural reconstruction the 2-point discrimination sensitivity measured 4 to 9 mm. The use of a distally based dorsal digital fasciocutaneous flap with venoneuroadipofascial pedicle was a simple, safe, and less invasive regimen for repairing digital terminal segment wounds.