H. Borman et al., Fingertip reconstruction using two variations of direct-flow homodigital neurovascular island flaps, ANN PL SURG, 45(1), 2000, pp. 24-30
The fingertip is an extremely intricate area of digital sensibility that pl
ays an important role in fine perception and hand function. Thus, sensate f
ingertip reconstruction is essential to the recovery of most hand functions
. The authors used two methods of direct-flow homodigital neurovascular isl
and flap coverage to reconstruct distal finger amputations-namely, the tria
ngular-advancement flap technique and the step-advancement flap method. The
authors present their experience with these two variations of direct-flow
homodigital neurovascular island flaps and their use in reconstructing 18 f
ingertips and 7 proximal amputation stumps. They did not observe flap failu
re, and they achieved stable, well-vascularized, appropriate-thickness skin
coverage with good sensory properties in all patients. However, they found
that the triangular-advancement flap technique was easier to plan and perf
orm than the step-advancement method.