The "local dorsal adipofascial flap" for volar digital defects: a case report

The coverage of volar digital defects can be achieved by a variety of surgical options. Although frequently used and reliable, these procedures entail the need for a second stage for flap release, meticulous dissection, sacrifice of a digital artery of the uninvolved digit, or delayed mobilization resulting in digital stiffness. The ideal surgical procedure for such defects should be a simple, single-stage surgery that allows early mobilization and return to function and at the same time avoiding unnecessary donor site morbidity from an uninvolved digit. The "local dorsal adipofascial flap" is a simple procedure that does not need a secondary procedure for flap release and affords early range of motion and return to function. We used this new flap technique in two digits with volar defects in a single patient. At ten months after flap coverage, the fingers were fully functional with good healing of the "local dorsal adipofascial flap."