Repair of different types of nail bed defect by free toe nail flap

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical application of free nail bed flap from the toe in the treatment of different types of nail bed defects of the finger.Methods Twelve cases of fingernail bed defects were treated with transplantation of free nail bed flap of various shapes from the toe based on the type and shape of nail bed defect.Donor site of the toe could be closed directly in 5 cases,while a fibular toe flap pedicled on the dorsal digital artery and skin graft was used to close the donor site wound in 7 cases.Results The 12 transferred toe nail bed flaps all survived,as well as the fibular toe llaps and skin grafts at the donor site.Patients were follow-up for 1 to 18 months,with an average of 7 months.Appearance of the reconstructed fingernails was satisfactory.Varying degrees of contracture of the nail were seen in 4 cases.Finger function was good.There was no obvious scar and blister formation at the donor site.Walking was not affected.Concclusion Transfer of free nail bed flap from the toe is an ideal method to t-eat different types of nail bed defects of the finger. Key words: Tissue transplantation; Microsurgery; Nail bed injuries