Lateral nailfold reconstruction with fingertip tongue-shaped flap and finger web reconstruction with U-shaped flap in syndactyly correction

Abstract

Objective To investigate the efficacy of lateral nailfold reconstruction with fingertip tongueshaped flap and finger web reconstruction with U-shaped flap in syndactyly correction.Methods From January 2005 to August 2011,28 eases of congenital syndaetyly were treated.Zig-zag incisions were made on both the palmar and dorsal aspects of the fused fingers to separate the fingers.The lateral nailfold was reconstructed with fingertip tongue-shaped flap.Meanwhile,a U-shaped flap was designed between the dorsal metacarpophalangeal joints to form the finger web.The remainder of the lateral sides of the separated fingers was covered with fullthickness skin graft.Light compression dressing and postoperative prophylactie antibiotics were applied.Functional exercises were initiated upon suture removal.Results The finger web in all 28 cases was close to normal.Lateral nailfold reconstruction was satisfactory.There was no exposed distal phalanx.The appearance was good.Significant improvement was seen in finger flexion/extension and adduction/abduction.The overall results were satisfactory.Conclusion Lateral nailfold reconstruction with fingertip tongue-shaped flap and finger web reconstruction with U-shaped tlap is a good option in syndactyly correction.It leads to satisfactory restoration of both appearance and function. Key words: Surgical flaps; Hand deformities,congenital; Syndactyly