Fingertip reconstruction using two variations of direct-flow homodigital neurovascular island flaps

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.