Fingertip resurfacing is a challenging reconstructive problem; despite the
existence of many different surgical methods, enthusiasm on developing vers
atile flap techniques has been continuing. In this report, we describe an a
rterialized venous dorsal digital island flap for fingertip reconstruction.
The vascularity of the reverse dorsal digital island flap is augmented by
performing an arteriovenous anastomosis between a dorsal vein in the flap a
nd one of the proper digital arteries at the fingertip. Eight flaps were us
ed in eight patients for the reconstruction of their fingertip defects. The
ages of the patients ranged from 19 to 41 years, with an average of 28.4 y
ears. In two cases, the flap was used as a neurosensorial flap by coapting
the dorsal digital radial nerve to the digital nerve. The mean follow-up wa
s II months, and all but one flap totally survived. The operative technique
is easy except for the necessity of performing standard microvascular surg
ery. The flap may be a good alternative for repairing fingertip defects in
selected cases.