Restoration of sensibility to anesthetic scarred digits with free vascularized nerve grafts from the dorsum of the foot

Abstract

Five cases of segmental vascularized nerve grafts that bridge scarred beds for digital sensory nerve reconstruction where previous nonvascularized nerve grafts have failed are reported. Average follow-up in this study was 27 4/5 months. Three patients were men and two were women. Average age was 35 1/2 years. The thumb was the recipient digit in one patient; the index finger in two patients; and the long finger in two patients (primary opposing digit). Three digits had suffered amputation and two had crush lacerations. Average graft length was 6.6 mm. Pin prick, touch, and vibratory sensation were restored in all patients (slightly impaired in one). Average moving two-point discrimination was 7.2 mm; average static two-point discrimination was 9.5 mm. Von Frey monofilament cutaneous pressure averaged 4.03 gm. Donor morbidity was negligible except for a neuroma in one patient and slight superficial skin loss in another.