Free thin osteo-onychocutaneous flaps from the big toe for reconstruction of the distal phalanx of the fingers

Abstract

Free osteo-onychocutaneous flaps from the big toe have frequently been used for the reconstruction of distal phalangeal loss of the fingers. The thickness of the fatty tissue, however, makes these flaps bulky. We believe this disadvantage can be overcome with a free thin osteo-onychocutaneous flap from the big toe and consider this thin composite flap to be a superior method of reconstruction for the treatment of distal phalangeal loss.