The Double Thenar Flap: A Technique to Reconstruct 2 Fingertip Amputations Simultaneously

Abstract

Fingertip injuries are a common problem. There may be pulp loss and exposed bone. Various techniques have been described to reconstruct function as well as aesthetics; yet it is still unclear which treatment options should be chosen for each specific injury. Evidence-based treatment strategies are limited because there are no prospective randomized clinical trials evaluating one method with another. Fingertip injuries are usually variable in their presentation, and therefore treatment decisions are often dictated by the knowledge and expertise of the treating physician combined with the patient's unique injury. With exposed bone and major distal soft tissue loss, many reconstructive techniques have been well-described including local advancement flaps, thenar flaps, and cross-finger flaps. There is scarce literature discussing surgical options when multiple fingers are involved. This report details a novel technique used to reconstruct 2 simultaneously injured fingers using the double thenar flap.

Keywords: Fingertip amputation; multiple digits; pulp loss; regional flap; thenar flap.