Restoration of sensibility in fingers repaired with free sensory flaps from the toe

The sensibility of 25 fingers reconstructed with three different types of free sensory flaps from the toe was evaluated. The relationships between sensory restoration and the patient's age, type of sensory flap, selection of sutured nerves, and circulatory complications in the flap were analyzed. Wrap-around flaps were used in 5 fingers, hemipulp flaps in 11, and toe-to-finger transfers in 9. The follow-up period ranged from 16 to 79 months. Restoration of sensibility in the flap was closely related to the patient's age and vascular insufficiency of the flap. Therefore, establishing and maintaining and adequate circulation in the flap at operation is essential for good sensory restoration.