The homodigital subcutaneous flap for cover of dorsal finger defects

Abstract

The authors propose a volar subcutaneous pedicled flap to cover skin defects over the dorsum of the same finger. This flap includes all the subcutaneous (adipofascial) tissues from the reticular dermis to the synovial sheath of the flexor tendons. After elevation of the dermo-epidermal flap, the subcutaneous tissues are raised as a flap pedicled laterally on one of the collateral arteries which constitutes the axis of rotation and transposition. After release of the collateral neurovascular bundle from its connections with the skeleton, the skin and the synovial sheath, the flap can be transposed to the dorsum of the finger and then covered with a split thickness skin graft. The advantages of this technique are: (1) No functional or cosmetic sequelae at the donor site which is closed by the volar dermo-epidermal flap; (2) Homodigital flap. This is particularly helpful in cases of multidigit involvement where cross-finger flaps cannot be performed; (3) Vascular reliability; (4) Preservation of both collateral arteries.