Finger Pulp Research Articles

How to Make the Skin Contact Area Controllable by Optical Calibration in Wearable Tactile Displays of Softness.

Virtual reality systems may benefit from wearable (fingertip-mounted) haptic displays capable of rendering the softness of virtual objects. According to neurophysiological evidence, the easiest reliable way to render a virtual softness is to generate purely tactile (as opposed to kinaesthetic) feedback to be delivered via a finger-pulp-interfaced deformable surface. Moreover, it is necessary to control not only the skin indentation depth by applying quasi-static (non-vibratory) contact pressures, but also the skin contact area. This is typically impossible with available devices, even with those that can vary the contact area, because the latter cannot be controlled due to the complexity of sensing it at high resolutions. This causes indetermination on an important tactile cue to render softness. Here, we present a technology that allows the contact area to be open-loop controlled via personalised optical calibrations. We demonstrate the solution on a modified, pneumatic wearable tactile display of softness previously described by us, consisting of a small chamber containing a transparent membrane inflated against the finger pulp. A window on the device allowed for monitoring the skin contact area with a camera from an external unit to generate a calibration curve by processing photos of the skin membrane interface at different pressures. The solution was validated by comparisons with an ink-stain-based method. Moreover, to avoid manual calibrations, a preliminary automated procedure was developed. This calibration strategy may be applied also to other kinds of displays where finger pulps are in contact with transparent deformable structures.

Relationship Between Finger Photoplethysmographic Pulses and Skin Blood Perfusion.

Introduction Photoplethysmography (PPG) measures are important in monitoring peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2). Another parameter is a derived quantity referred to as the peripheral perfusion index (PPI). It is calculated as the ratio of the peak-to-peak pulse amplitude of a PPG signal (PAPPG) to the non-pulsating part of the total PPG signal. The PPI has been used as a marker of blood perfusion states in a variety of clinical settings but has not been systematically and directly compared to measures of local blood perfusion. This study's purpose was to investigate this issue to provide initial data on the relationship between finger skin blood perfusion, measured by laser Doppler blood perfusion flux (LDF) and PAPPG. Methods Ten subjects (five male), recruited from medical students with an average age of 26 years, participated.While supine for 30 minutes, skin blood perfusion was recorded using laser Doppler flux (LDF) on the ring finger pulp of the non-dominant hand, and the photoplethysmography pulse (PPG) was recorded from the index finger of the same hand. The recorded data was searched sequentially manually to locate the first 30-pulse sequence in which the PPG amplitude of at least six PPG pulses was less than or equal to 60% of the maximum pulse amplitude in the sequence. The primary PPG parameter of interest was PAPPG. For the LDF signal, the pulse amplitude is designated as PALDF, the total LDF for each pulse is designated as LDFTOT,and the LDF pulsatile component is designated as PF. To investigate the relationship between LDF parameters and PAPPG a linear regression analysis of each 30-pulse sequence was done with PAPPG as the independent variable and each of the three LDF parameters individually (PALDF, LDFTOT, and PF) as dependent variables. Results There was a statistically significant direct relationship between PAPPG and all three measures of blood perfusion (p<0.05). Correlation coefficients (R) varied among subjects but within-subject variations versus PAPPG were similar, having mean values that ranged from 0.665 to 0.694. The results also provided evidence in support of a direct relationship between the LDF pulsatility index, defined as the ratio of PF to its mean value., and PAPPG (R=0.779). Conclusions When finger PPG pulse amplitudes are measured in individual subjects there is a moderate-to-strong correlation between the PPG pulse amplitude changes and skin blood perfusion changes. This fact impacts the confidence in using the widely available PPG parameter, peripheral perfusion index, as an indicator of changes in tissue perfusion.However, differences in the PPG pulse amplitude among subjects were less reliable indicators of differences in blood perfusion among subjects. The findings also indicate that a related parameter, the LDF pulsatility index, is also highly correlated with the PPG pulse amplitude and may serve as a useful parameter for future clinical investigations.

Finger Pulp Injuries Treated With Needle And Figure Of 8 Suturing

Background: injuries to the finger pulp are encountered in occupational, household work and rta.in the present study, fingertip injuries were treated by reducing the fracture fragments, repositioning the nail plate in the nail fold, and securing it with the needle vertical figure of eight tension band sutures. Objective: to know the clinical outcomes of finger pulp injuries treated with 23g needle fixation and figure of 8 suturing. Methodology: 15 patients were included in the study. The study was done at chennai, tamil nadu, a.c.s. Medical college and hospital on patients with finger pulp injuries in casualty as an outpatient. This interventional study was done for 12 months. All patients were followed up for 6 months. Results: most of the patients were aged above 18. Most of the patients were males. The thumb finger was most commonly involved. The right side is more commonly affected. All patients were given antibiotics orally for 2 weeks. Fracture healing happened in 6 weeks for most of the patients. Union was achieved in 8 to 9 weeks for most of the patients. Conclusion: using an 23g needle instead of k-wire fixation for treating associated fractures of the distal phalanx has enhanced versatility and yielded good outcomes. This approach also circumvents the formal repair of the nail bed, promoting smooth healing of the injury

Artificial dermal repair for larger finger pulp defects: Satisfactory coverage with limitations in sensation and inevitable scar formation

BackgroundThis prospective study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the use of dermal templates for lengthy volar soft tissue defects (1.5–4 cm) in the fingers. MethodsThe volar soft tissue defects of 15 patients (19 fingers) were treated with Lando dermal template coverage between June 2022 and November 2022. We evaluated sensory recovery, scar formation, and overall appearance of the repair site at an average of 13 months (range, 12–17 months) of follow-up. ResultsThe defect healed in all cases. We found an average static 2-point discrimination of 7 mm (range 4 to 14 mm). Scar formation was evident in all cases. The repair did not restore the bulkiness of the volar finger, especially in the finger with the bony exposure. Nail deformities and joint contracture were observed in some cases. ConclusionDermal template repair does not restore normal sensation and inevitably leads to scar formation when the defect is longer (>1.5 cm). Bulkiness of the volar finger is not restored in most patients, especially when there was bone or tendon exposure in the initial wound site.

Soft robotic fingers with sensorized pre-charged finger pulp

Pneumatically driven soft actuators with sensors have been developing rapidly these years. They can perceive external stimulus and be applied to different scenarios. In this study, we present a novel soft robotic finger with sensorized finger pulp based on sealing a flexible fabric piezoresistive film called Velostat into a pre-charged air bag, which can perceive the contact force with an object based on changes in resistance value of the sensor. The soft sensor mimics human finger pulp and deforms passively according to the shape of objects during grasping, so that it can firmly contact with objects and as such improves the gripper’s grasping stability. Moreover, based on force feedback, the actuator can reduce or increase the input pressure to hold the object and control the contact force precisely. The sensor exhibits a sensitivity of up to 0.328 kPa−1 and can measure pressures ranging from 0 to over 10 kPa. The sensor’s measurement range and sensitivity can be pre-adjusted by regulating the pre-charged pressure during fabrication for different grasping tasks. The response/recovery time of the sensor is 80/60 ms on average. Experiments show that the finger with sensorized pulp can be applied for object softness and size detection, object transport minitoring as well as force control grasping. The proposed soft robotic finger has potential for applications in scenarios that require safe contact and closed-loop control.

Repair of distal finger soft-tissue defects with free fibular great toe neurovascular flaps

BackgroundThis work aimed to investigate the change in fingerprint depth and the recovery rule of fingerprint biological recognition function after repairing finger abdominal defects and rebuilding fingerprint with a free flap.MethodFrom April 2018 to March 2023, we collected a total of 43 cases of repairing finger pulp defects using the free flap of the fibular side of the great toe with the digital nerve. After surgery, irregular follow-up visits were conducted to observe fingerprint clarity, perform the ninhydrin test or detect visible sweating with the naked eye. We recorded fingerprint clarity, nail shape, two-point discrimination, cold perception, warm perception and fingerprint recognition using smartphones. The reconstruction process of the repaired finger was recorded to understand the changes in various observation indicators and their relationship with the depth of the fingerprint. The correlation between fingerprint depth and neural repair was determined, and the process of fingerprint biological recognition function repair was elucidated.ResultAll flaps survived, and we observed various manifestations in different stages of nerve recovery. The reconstructed fingerprint had a clear fuzzy process, and the depth changes of the fingerprint were consistent with the changes in the biological recognition function curve.ConclusionThe free flap with the digital nerve is used to repair finger pulp defects. The reconstructed fingerprint has a biological recognition function, and the depth of the fingerprint is correlated with the process of nerve repair. The fingerprint morphology has a dynamic recovery process, and it can reach a stable state after 6–8 months.

“Flap-in-Flap” Technique: Double V-Y Flap in Fingertip Injury Management

Abstract Background Fingertip injuries with amputation are one of the common hand injury problems. Several reconstructive options are available for fingertip injury. V-Y advancement flap is one of the common flaps. In some cases, their advancement capacities are not sufficient to cover the whole defect, resulting in flexion deformity of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, loss of finger pulp shape, or hooked deformity. The double V-Y flap consists of harvesting two cutaneous flaps on the same neurovascular digital palmar bundle. The first V-Y flap is raised as a neurovascular flap and the second flap is an advancement V-Y plasty. Objectives This article evaluates the outcomes of the double V-Y advancement flap for the fingertip reconstruction. Materials and Methods This is a prospective study on 19 patients with zone II and III fingertip amputation tip defects between December 2021 and June 2023. The majority were workplace injuries. Results There were 16 males and 3 females. The average static two-point discrimination was 6 mm. Average advancement of first flap is 8.5 mm and the average advancement of second flap is 4.3 mm. The average total advancement of a double V-Y flap is 12.94 mm (10–15 mm). All of them had “good” total active motion with movement &gt; 210. One patient had flexion deformity at the DIP joint without causing any functional disturbance. All the flaps settled well except for one patient who had superficial partial necrosis of flap which was managed conservatively. Conclusion This is simple and safe for the reconstruction of zone II and III fingertip amputations with the advantage of like-for-like tissue with near-normal sensation. The second flap increased the advancement of the proximal flap, restoring the pulp shape, and thereby reconstructing a functional and aesthetic fingertip.

Graphene‐Based Flexible High‐Resolution Pressure Sensors

With the continuous development of electronic technology, sensors are moving toward miniaturization and high precision. This article focuses on the flexible, high‐resolution and miniaturized features of the sensor to design a pressure sensor. This article uses 3D printing technology to create a mold, which is injected with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and demold, distribute conductive tapes at equal distances on the PDMS film. Immerse the sensitive unit into a graphene suspension, remove it, dry it, and assemble it with a PDMS film to produce a cost‐effective flexible pressure sensor. Sensor testing shows that the sensor has fast response time and recovery time, as well as good repeatability. The consistency of the sensor in various regions is good, with excellent endurance performance and low coupling between different regions of the sensor. High‐resolution perception can be realized in an area of 9 mm × 9 mm (size of the finger pulp). To further demonstrate the high‐resolution performance of the sensor, it is used to recognize Braille and perceive the roughness of the fruit surface. The sensor works well in the scenarios of miniaturization and fitting to a robot's finger. This study also lays a solid foundation for the design and development of the next sensors in miniaturization and high resolution.

Syndactylized glabrous flaps for multiple finger palmar defects.

Palmar finger or pulp defects require coverage with glabrous tissue to achieve a good match with the lost tissue. The management of multiple finger palmar or pulp defects is challenging because these defects may not always be suitable for local or pedicled flaps. In such situations, syndactylizing free or pedicled flaps can be used. We evaluated the results of free glabrous flaps syndactylizing across multiple finger defects. The two flaps used were the superficial branch of the radial artery (SUPBRA) flap and hypothenar free flap. Seven syndactylized glabrous free flaps were used to cover the defects in 16 fingers. The functional results and complaints were also assessed. Mean flap size was 14.35 cm2. Six flaps survived. Postoperative evaluation data were obtained for the 13 fingers. All the patients returned to their previous work. All patients had a diminished protective sensation of at least 4.31 according to the SWM test. The mean two-point discrimination score of the patients was 9.9 mm (7-14). One finger had a PIP joint flexion contracture of 30°, no donor-site complaints were observed. The advantages of these flaps include single operation site, strong glabrous tissue coverage, low risk of flexion contracture, and adequate tissue size for large defects. Disadvantages include two-stage and complex microsurgical operations, prolonged treatment, and hospital stay.

Nail bed trauma reconstruction and artificial nail replacement - a case report.

Nail bed reconstruction is crucial after fingertip trauma, impacting both function and aesthetics. In this article, the authors describe a case of partial distal phalanx amputation of the index finger with laceration of the nail bed's remaining part. A traumatically elevated skin-fat flap covered the exposed bone on the fingertip, preserving finger length and sensitivity on the radial side. A full-thickness skin graft from the forearm closed a secondary defect on the finger pulp. Nail bed suturing prevented scarring and nail deformity, and a temporary artificial plastic nail replacement maintained the nail bed's shape. Temporary artificial nail replacements protect the regenerating fingertip bed, promote healing, and prevent nail deformities. Proper adaptation of lacerated nail bed edges, supported by either the patient's own nail or a temporary artificial nail, is crucial for optimal fingertip restoration, including proper nail shape.

Dapsone Associated Methemoglobinemia-----A Case of Blue Discoloration:

Dapsone is among the medicine that belongs to sulfone groups and being used to treat leprosy and dermatitis. It inhibits the synthesis of dihydrofolic acid by competing with para-aminobenzoic acid. This is a case of a lady in her mid70&amp;apos;s known case of pyoderma gangrenosum recently started on dapsonepresented to ED with complaint of shortness of breath, discoloration of fingers for 4days. Patient had saturation of 88% room air. Relevant examination showed blue discoloration of the finger pulps. Arterial blood gas analysis showed oxygen saturation of 98%RA and PaO2 of 87mmHg, suggestive of positive saturation gap. She was treated with IV methylene blue on the impression of methemoglobinemia and her discoloration improved rapidly. An approach to hypoxia in ED must be considered in context of saturation gap in patients suspected of having toxicological cause. Methemoglobinemia treatment requires methylene blue administration that causes rapid resolution of symptoms.

Neurovascular Heterodigital Island Flap for Digital Pulp Defect Reconstruction: 58 Case Series

Aim: Our study aims to report the neurovascular heterodigital island flap reconstruction for finger pulp defects. Patients and Methods: This study included 58 patients presenting to our clinic with pulp defects between 2014 and 2022. The average age of the patients was 26 years (20 - 56 years). Injuries were Allen type 2 for 18 patients, type 3 for 33 patients, and type 4 for 7 patients. Pulp defects were caused by crush injury (n:42) and sharps injury (n:16). Results: None of the flaps administered to the participating patients developed any total loss. Three patients developed partial loss in the distal flap. Six patients were found to have superficial tissue infection. Two patients were found to have hyperpigmentation and hyperesthesia. While one patient with Allen type 3 pulp defect was detected to have 10 degrees of flexion contracture in the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint and 5 degrees of flexion contracture in the proximal interphalangeal joint, three patients were found to have 5 degrees of flexion contracture only in the DIP joint. The mean static two-point discrimination of the pulp-administered flap was 5.2 mm (3-8 mm) and on the contralateral side was 3 mm. The mean Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test was 3.18 g (2.96 – 4.7 g) in the pulp administered flap and 2.92 g in the contralateral side. Conclusions: Reconstruction of pulp defects with neurovascular heterodigital island flap is a reliable treatment option with satisfactory functional and sensory outcomes.

Sensory re-education after free neurovascular toe pulp flap for digital pulp reconstruction

PurposeTo evaluate the effectiveness of a sensory re-education (SR) program after free neurovascular toe pulp flap for finger or thumb pulp defect reconstruction. MethodsFrom January 2015 to January 2020, 49 patients with finger or thumb pulp defects treated with free fibular side flaps of the great toe or tibial side flaps of the second toe were recruited. The patients were randomly divided into two groups one month after surgery. The training group received the SR program and the control group underwent the traditional rehabilitation program. Clinical evaluation included Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament (SWM) tests, static two-point discrimination (2-PD), and sensibility grading, measured at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months postoperatively. ResultsA total of 42 patients completed the follow-up, including 22 (16 males) patients in the training group and 20 patients (12 males) in the control group. Compared with 1 month after the operation, significant improvements in sensory recovery were observed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively in both groups. In addition, earlier sensory recovery was seen in the SR group compared to the control group, showing significant differences at 3 and 6 months but not at 9 and 12 months postoperatively. ConclusionAlthough SR seemed to accelerate preliminary sensory recovery after free neurovascular toe pulp flaps for digital defect reconstruction, the program should be reconsidered as it offers no significant improvement over the control group at later follow-up stages.

Commentary on Letter to the Editor After “Repair of Finger Pulp Defect and Sensory Reconstruction Using Reverse Homodigital Artery Island Flap With Palmar Cutaneous Branches of the Proper Digital Nerve” by Shuang Wang, Annals of Plastic Surgery, 2023

Commentary on Letter to the Editor After “Repair of Finger Pulp Defect and Sensory Reconstruction Using Reverse Homodigital Artery Island Flap With Palmar Cutaneous Branches of the Proper Digital Nerve” by Shuang Wang, Annals of Plastic Surgery, 2023

Evaluating transient phenomena by wavelet analysis: early recovery to exercise.

Wavelet analysis (WA) provides superior time-frequency decomposition of complex signals than conventional spectral analysis tools. To illustrate its usefulness in assessing transient phenomena, we applied a custom-developed WA algorithm to laser-Doppler (LD) signals of the cutaneous microcirculation measured at glabrous (finger pulp) and nonglabrous (forearm) sites during early recovery after dynamic exercise. This phase, importantly contributing to the establishment of thermal homeostasis after exercise cessation, has not been adequately explored because of its complex, transient form. Using WA, we decomposed the LD signals measured during the baseline and early recovery into power spectra of characteristic frequency intervals corresponding to endothelial nitric oxide (NO)-dependent, neurogenic, myogenic, respiratory, and cardiac physiological influence. Assessment of relative power (RP), defined as the ratio between the median power in the frequency interval and the median power of the total spectrum, revealed that endothelial NO-dependent (5.87 early recovery; 1.53 baseline; P = 0.005; Wilcoxon signed-rank test) and respiratory (0.71 early recovery; 0.40 baseline; P = 0.001) components were significantly increased, and myogenic component (1.35 early recovery; 1.83 baseline; P = 0.02) significantly decreased during early recovery in the finger pulp. In the forearm, only the RP of the endothelial NO-dependent (1.90 early recovery; 0.94 baseline; P = 0.009) component was significantly increased. WA presents an irreplaceable tool for the assessment of transient phenomena. The relative contribution of the physiological mechanisms controlling the microcirculatory response in the early recovery phase appears to differ in glabrous and nonglabrous skin when compared with baseline; moreover, the endothelial NO-dependent influence seems to play an important role.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We address the applicability of wavelet analysis (WA) in evaluating transient phenomena on a model of early recovery to exercise, which is the only exercise-associated phase characterized by a distinct transient shape and as such cannot be assessed using conventional tools. Our WA-based algorithm provided a reliable spectral decomposition of laser-Doppler (LD) signals in early recovery, enabling us to speculate roughly on the mechanisms involved in the regulation of skin microcirculation in this phase.

Double-pivot proper digital artery perforator flap for fingertip reconstruction

BackgroundDorsal flap based on proper digital artery perforator has been commonly used in wound coverage of fingertip; yet a small diameter and short length poses a risk of pedicle kinking or occlusion. The present study aims to present our preliminary results of using a double-pivot perforator flap based on the end dorsal branch of proper digital artery to repair finger pulp defect.MethodsWe designed a double-pivot flap based on the end-dorsal perforator branch of proper digital artery, raised from the dorsal aspect of the middle phalanx, with inclusion of both the perforator and a section of the trunk of the artery. This modified procedure forms a pedicle with a larger diameter and length than traditional designs. Twelve patients (12 fingers) each with a soft-tissue defect of the fingertip were successfully treated and followed up in this retrospective study.ResultsAll the flaps survived without showing any signs of necrosis; three cases presented with transient venous flow disorder, these self-resolving without requiring any additional treatment. At final follow-up (12–33 months, mean 20 months), mean static two-point discrimination on the flap was 7.0 mm (range, 6–9).ConclusionThe double-pivot proper digital artery flap serves as a reliable option in fingertip reconstruction offering added benefits of having greater rotation flexibility, a lower risk of vessel kinking or occlusion, and good recovery of cutaneous sensation.

Repair of a finger pulp or fingertip defect using a palmar rotatory flap pedicled with the perforating branch of the proper palmar digital artery: a retrospective study

BackgroundSoft tissue defects in the hand may result from trauma, oncological procedures, or severe infections. This study aimed to introduce an innovative method for repairing soft tissue defects on the palmar side of the distal segment of the affected finger or fingertip. We explored this surgical method and its curative effect on the volar rotation pedicled flap base on a perforator of the palmar digital artery (VRPF-PPDA) for repairing ventral or fingertip soft tissue defects of the distal segment of the affected finger without impairing its main blood vessels.MethodsBetween June 2019 and January 2021, 13 patients with finger pulp or fingertip soft tissue defects were treated with VRPF-PPDA. Flap survival rate, complication rate, two-point discrimination (2PD), and patient satisfaction were used to evaluate the efficacy of this method. The function of the affected finger was evaluated using the upper limb function evaluation method issued by the Trial Standards for Evaluation of Partial Function of the Upper Extremity of the Chinese Society for Surgery of the Hand of the Chinese Medical Association (CMA) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Head (DASH) score, 6–12 months after the flap-based operation.ResultsThirteen patients (18 fingers) achieved complete flap survival. The finger pulp flap was full, and no complications occurred. 2PD checks of the flaps revealed that all of them were 4–10 mm in length. According to the Trial Standards for Evaluation of Partial Function of the Upper Extremity of the Chinese Society for Surgery of the Hand of the CMA, hand function was excellent in 12 patients (17 fingers) and good in one patient, with a mean DASH score of 26.05 ± 0.45. Eleven patients selected “excellent” on the subjective satisfaction survey, while the other two selected “good.”ConclusionVRPF-PPDA surgery is a simple, effective, minimally invasive, and reliable method for repairing soft tissue defects in the distal finger pulp or fingertips. Optimal esthetic reconstruction and anatomical and functional repair can be achieved in fingers repaired using the VRPF-PPDA surgical approach.

Reverse Homodigital Artery Island Flap With Palmar Cutaneous Branches of the Proper Digital Nerve for Repairing of Finger Pulp Defect and Sensory Reconstruction: Is It Deserving?

Reverse Homodigital Artery Island Flap With Palmar Cutaneous Branches of the Proper Digital Nerve for Repairing of Finger Pulp Defect and Sensory Reconstruction: Is It Deserving?

Reconstruction of Composite Soft Tissue Defect in the Distal Finger Using Partial Toenail Flap Transfer.

Composite tissue loss involving the distal finger pulp and the nail is a common but challenging finger injury to restore. This study introduces a reconstruction procedure for a distal finger pulp and nail defect using a partial toenail flap transfer. Twenty digits, including 16 thumbs, two index fingers, and two middle fingers, with composite soft tissue defects were treated with a partial toenail flap transfer from October 2015 to January 2020. Shortening revision of the great toe phalanx, a V-Y advancement flap of the toe pulp, and a local pedicle flap from a second toe transfer were used to cover the donor sites, and no skin grafts were required. Functionality was evaluated using the validated Spanish version of the Quick-DASH scale. The aesthetics of both the reconstructed and donor sites were evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). The static two-point discrimination (2-PD) of the finger pulp was used as a measure of tactile agnosia. All donor site wounds healed well. The average follow-up time was 23.6 months (6-39 months). The mean Quick-DASH functional score was 7.1. The VSS scores were 4.02 ± 0.29 and 4.00 ± 0.38 for the reconstructed and donor sites, respectively. The static 2-PD of finger pulp was 4.5 ± 0.76 mm. The patients were satisfied with finger motion, sensory function, and aesthetic contour. Partial toenail flap transfer is the recommended treatment to regain motion, sensation, function, and a satisfactory aesthetic appearance when considering repairing a composite soft tissue distal finger defect with accompanying loss of the perionychium, particularly in the thumb, index finger, or middle finger.

Use a leaflet flap of foot to severed multi-finger with segmental injury

To explore asurgical methods for replantation of severed finger. From January 2018 to November 2022, 8 amputated-finger patients were performed surgical reconstructions by using polyfoliate free flaps with the first dorsal metatarsal artery, including 7 males and 1 female, aged from 20 to 55 years old, and defect areas ranged from (1.0 to 2.0) cm×(3.0 to 4.5) cm. Finger pulp sensation, shape and other relevant parameters were assessed following the upper extremity functional evaluation standard, which was put forward by Hand Surgery Branch of Chinese Medical Association. And maryland foot functional score was used to evaluate foot function. Amputated fingers and flaps of all the 8 patients were survived. All patients were followed up for 4 to 20 months, their finger color and temperature tured to normal, with good wear-resistance and cold-resistance. According to Hand Surgery Branch of Chinese Medical Association, functional score ranged 61 to 92;4 patients got excellent result and 4 good. Maryland foot functional score ranged from 93 to 100;and 8 patients got excellent result. It is feasible to repair severed fingers with soft tissue defects using polyfoliate free flaps that driven by the flippers of the first and second toes of the foot. This method ccould bridge blood vessels, increase soft tissue volume of the injured finger, and avoid finger shortening, with high patient satisfaction.