Homodigital Unipedicled Islanded Neurovascular Pulp Advancement Flap/Colombo Flap for Fingertip Reconstruction: A Case Series with a Novel Technique.

Abstract

Fingertip injury is the most common type of upper extremity injury. Operative treatment with flap cover is required for tissue loss causing bone exposure and when there is a compelling need to preserve the length, unless microvascular replantation is possible. There are many techniques described for this purpose offering varying degrees of good outcomes. Yet there are limitations and long-term problems. We report a case series with a novel technique named "Colombo flap," which is a neurovascular islanded advancement flap based on a single pedicle. Five fingers of four consented patients were operated using this technique and they were followed up for 2.5 years. All had satisfactory sensory recovery (S3 +/S4), preserved range of motion (ROM) at interphalangeal joints, good grip strengths, and satisfactory outcomes based on Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ). There were no complications such as flap necrosis, infection, and neuroma formation. Hook nail deformity was minimal and none had pain or cold intolerance.