Sensate Neurovascular Island Flap for Thumb Reconstruction

Abstract

Thumb pulp defects require adequate reconstruction for satisfactory sensate function and aesthetic appearance. We report a reconstructive case using a sensate neurovascular island flap raised from the ulnar side of the middle finger for a tactile thumb pad defect. The flap was elevated as a modified version of the conventional heterodigital neurovascular island flap in order to restore thumb sensation without the “double-sensibility” phenomenon. The ulnar digital nerve of the flap was sectioned at the middle phalanx level of the donor digit and coaptated to the ulnar and radial digital nerves of the thumb through end-to-side and end-to-end neurorrhaphy. The remaining radial digital nerve of the donor finger was preserved, and the proximal end of the sectioned nerve was coaptated end-to-side to the radial digital nerve to prevent neuroma formation. No postoperative complications including venous congestion were observed. This technique is a relatively simple and reliable option for reconstructing thump pulp defects.