One-stage repair of soft tissue and nerve defect of the fingers using dorsal island flap

Abstract

Objective To report the treatment outcomes of repairing soft tissue and nerve defect of the fingers using dorsal island flap carrying dorsal cutaneous branch of the proper digital nerve. Methods The skin and nerve defects in 18 fingers of 16 patients were repaired by dorsal island flap carrying dorsal cutaneous branch of the proper digital nerve. The size of the flaps ranged from 10 mm × 7 mm to 24 mm × 20 mm. The length of the nerve defect ranged from 9 to 22 mm. Results Postoperatively all the flaps in the 18 fingers of 16 patients survived. The average follow-up was 5 to 25 months. The appearance and function of the involved fingers were satisfactory. Sensation of the finger pulp returned to S3+ and two-point discrimination ranged between 4 to 7 mm. Conclusion Using dorsal island flap carrying dorsal cutaneous branch of the proper digital nerve can achieve simultaneous repair of both skin and nerve defects. The treatment outcomes were satisfactory. It is an optimal procedure for repairing combined soft tissue and nerve defect of the fingers. Key words: Surgical flaps; Finger injuries ; Repair