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Reverse dorsal digital and intercommissural flaps used for digital reconstruction.
E Keramidas1, S Rodopoulou, N Metaxotos
1Microsurgery and Burn Unit, Department of Plastic Surgery, General State Hospital of Athens "G.Gennimatas", 154 Messogion Avenue, 11527, Athens, Greece.
British Journal of Plastic Surgery
|December 16, 2003
Summary
Reverse dorsal digital flaps provide a reliable method for covering distal finger defects, particularly when other options are limited. This study found high survival rates and good functional outcomes in patients undergoing this procedure.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Distal finger defects pose reconstructive challenges.
- Limited local flap options exist for dorsal finger coverage.
- Alternative reconstructive techniques have varying outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of reverse dorsal digital flaps for distal finger reconstruction.
- To assess the success rate and complications associated with this flap technique.
- To compare reverse dorsal digital flaps with other reconstructive methods.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-one reverse dorsal digital flaps were surgically transposed as island flaps.
- The flaps were used to cover dorsal soft tissue defects over or beyond the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint.
- Defect sizes averaged 2.5 cm(2) and involved exposed tendon, bone, or joint.
Main Results:
- Twenty of twenty-one flaps (95.2%) survived completely with no signs of circulatory compromise.
- One flap experienced marginal necrosis.
- Two patients reported finger swelling at 6 months post-operation; no other morbidity was noted.
Conclusions:
- Reverse dorsal digital flaps are a simple, versatile, and effective option for reconstructing distal finger defects.
- The procedure demonstrates a high success rate with minimal complications and preserves good finger function.
- This technique is particularly valuable when other local flaps are unavailable for coverage.