One-stage reconstruction of the postburn nailfold contracture

Dorsal digital burn contractures cause unsightly eponychial retraction and proximal nail exposure. These areas are subject to breakdown with minor trauma. These deformities are often ignored as trivial. Many surgeons are unaware that simple reconstruction is possible. Correction is a worthwhile undertaking. This report illustrates a new modification: one-stage reconstruction with bilateral proximally based flaps, dorsally transposed and interdigitated. Donor sites are closed primarily. This technique has been successfully applied to 14 affected fingertips in 4 patients with no complications and no revisions. Patients have been gratified by the resultant restoration of the nailfold. Contractures have not recurred.