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Microsurgical free toe pulp transfer for digital reconstruction
1Service de Chirurgie Plastique et Reconstructive, Centre des brûlés, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Free toe pulp neurovascular flaps offer successful fingertip reconstruction, restoring sensation and padding. This technique, though infrequently reported, provides good functional recovery for posttraumatic defects.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Microsurgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Posttraumatic fingertip injuries present reconstructive challenges.
- Free toe pulp neurovascular flaps are a less commonly reported option for reconstruction.
Observation:
- This study reports on 8 cases of free toe pulp flap transfers for fingertip reconstruction.
- Follow-up extended up to 20 months.
Findings:
- All patients achieved successful restoration of a well-padded and sensitive fingertip.
- Discriminative sensibility recovery was noted, with stationary two-point discrimination between 5-12 mm and moving two-point discrimination between 4-8 mm.
- The procedure demonstrated good functional outcomes.
Implications:
- Free toe pulp flaps are a viable option for fingertip reconstruction, offering good sensory recovery.
- Careful patient selection based on specific indications and contraindications is crucial for optimal results.
- This technique expands reconstructive options for complex fingertip defects.