Clinical Application of Split-Thickness Skin with Pedicle for Finger Wounds

Abstract

Background. Skin grafts and pedicled flaps are the traditional methods of reconstructing injuries; both have some disadvantages. Here, we introduce a new clinical application of split-thickness skin with pedicle for repairing finger wounds. Methods. We present the new method of split-thickness skin with pedicle used on 12 patients (18 fingers) between 2012 and 2016. The graft was sketched on the abdomen at random according to the shape of the wounds on a skin area of 1.0 × 1.0 cm–8.0 × 1.5 cm. The pedicle was divided at 7–22 days. Results. During the follow-up time of 13–20 months, there were no reported cases of skin necrosis; 17 fingers obtained primary healing except 1, which required a dressing change. Conclusion. The split-thickness skin with pedicle proved to be valuable in the treatment of finger wounds and has the advantages of both pedicled flaps and free skin grafting.