Restoration of function and sensitivity utilizing a homodigital neurovascular island flap after amputation injuries of the fingertip

Abstract

Sixty-three fingertip amputations in 50 patients were reconstructed using a homodigital neurovascular island flap technique based on a single neurovascular pedicle without further shortening of the distal phalanx. The procedure was carried out under regional anaesthesia, using a tourniquet and magnifying loupes. All of the flaps survived and achieved normal or adequate two-point discrimination without any painful scar or cold hypersensitivity. Fifteen patients had some loss of distal interphalangeal joint extension. The technique is simple and presents an excellent method for fingertip reconstruction in Allen type II, III and IV injuries.