A Neurovascular Island Flap for Volar-Oblique Fingertip Amputations

Abstract

A neurovascular island flap has been developed to reconstruct volar-oblique fingertip amputations. This study analyzes the data collected on 16 patients who were treated with this flap and had at least 2 years follow-up. The average active/passive range of motion was 54/55° at the DIP joint, 96/98° at the PIP joint, and 83/83° at the MP joint. Twelve out of 16 flaps (75%) had two-point discrimination better than 10 ram. Moderate and severe problems included cold intolerance (six patients), hypersensitivity (three patients), stiffness (three patients), and numbness (two patients). Out of the 16 patients treated with this technique, 14 were satisfied with their surgical outcome. In experienced hands, this technique is a safe and reliable method with which to reconstruct volar-oblique fingertip amputations.