Evaluation of Dorsal Reverse Adipofascial Flap for Fingertip Amputation Reconstruction

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Fingertip injuries are very frequent among hand injuries; these injuries need to be carefully addressed as it has an important role in fine motor activity and delicate sensation. The aim is to assess the outcome by using the dorsal reverse adipofascial flap in the reconstruction of fingertip amputations at the level of the nail fold. Methods: This prospective case series study was conducted in Rizgary Teaching and Rozhawa Emergency Hospital in Erbil city/Iraq from June 2018 to June 2020.Twenty patients sustained fingertip amputations at the level of the nail fold and underwent reconstruction of their fingertips using the dorsal reverse adipofascial flap. We evaluated the fingertip appearance, The function of the proximal interphalangeal joint and distal interphalangeal joint, donor site scar, and patient`s satisfaction. Results : The mean age ± SD of patients was 29.5 ± 8.5 years, the median was 28 years, and the age range was 18 -48 years. The most common injured finger was the ring (35%), Type of injury was mostly by a sharp object (40%). only one patient (5%) was not satisfied, (10) ten patients (50%) were satisfied, and 9 (45%) were highly satisfied. There was a statically significant association between patients’ satisfaction and the presence of complications. Conclusion: The dorsal reverse adipofascial flap is effective in the reconstruction of traumatic fingertip amputations at the level of the nail fold with consistent aesthetic and functional results.