Innervated reverse island flap based on the end dorsal branch of the digital artery: surgical technique

Abstract

Fingertip or pulp loss of the fingers is observed frequently in unskilled workers. To reconstruct a sensate fingertip or pulp we designed the innervated reverse island flap based on the end dorsal branch of the digital artery, which was harvested from the dorsum of the middle phalanx. The sensation of the fingertip or pulp was re-established through coaptation of the proper branches of the digital dorsal nerves to the digital nerves. Three fingertip or pulp defects were reconstructed with this technique. All patients achieved satisfactory functional and cosmetic results. The mean follow-up time was 7.7 months. The average size of the flaps was 1.6 x 1.8 cm. The average static 2-point discrimination and moving 2-point discrimination of the flaps were 4.6 mm and 3.0 mm, respectively. The technique we applied seems to be an excellent option for 1-stage reconstruction of fingertip or pulp defects.