Repair of fingertip defects with lateral flaps of finger based on digital artery perforator

Abstract

Objective To analysis the clinical efficacy of using lateral homodigital flaps based on digital artery perforator to repair the fingertip defects. Methods From October 2008 to August 2010,nine patients with twelve fingertip defects,including 5 thumbs,2 index fingers,3 middle fingers,2 ring fingers,underwent repair with lateral homodigital flaps based on digital artery perforator.The size of the flaps ranged from 2.7 cm× 1.4 cm to 3.1 cm× 1.8 cm.The donor site were covered by skin graft. Results Eleven flaps survived.One case met with partial necrosis.The follow-up time ranged from 3 to 6 months(average of 4.5 months).The finges had good appearance.Ten cases had gained full postoperative sensory recovery and the two-point discrimination was 4-Smm at 3 months after operation.Conclusion Using the flaps pedicled with digital artery perforator is a feasible solution for treatment of fingertip defects. Key words: Digital artery perforator flap ; Transplantation ; Finger; Injuries