Reconstruction of Finger Tip Amputations with Advancement Flap and Free Nail Bed Graft

Abstract

Fifteen finger tip amputations through the proximal half of the nail bed were reconstructed with palmar V–Y advancement flaps and full thickness nail bed grafts. The undersurface of the V–Y flap was sutured to the nail bed remnant and the raw area was covered with full thickness nail bed grafts from the amputated part. They were followed for a minimum period of one year and the nail bed grafts took fully in all patients. The results were best in the thumb and least favourable in the little finger but all the patients were happy with the cosmetic result and the functional outcome. This technique results in an average gain of 5mm of extra length to the nail. This is a useful technique when replantation of a distal fingertip amputation is not possible.