IFSSH scientific committee on skin coverage: 2015 report.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Hand Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Skin coverage is a critical challenge in hand reconstruction.
• Optimizing fingertip reconstruction remains an ongoing area of research and debate.
• Amputation is often the default treatment for severely injured fingertips, including the thumb.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present alternatives to amputation for fingertip injuries.
• To discuss current debates regarding skin substitutes, microsurgery, and island flaps for hand defects.
• To share diverse international perspectives on hand reconstruction techniques.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and surgical techniques for hand reconstruction.
• Discussion of various skin coverage options: skin substitutes, microsurgical procedures, and island flaps.
• Incorporation of expert opinions from six surgeons across four countries.

Main Results:

• Refined surgical techniques offer viable alternatives to amputation for fingertip injuries.
• Significant international debate exists regarding the optimal approach for large hand defects.
• Cultural and socioeconomic factors influence the choice of reconstruction methods worldwide.

Conclusions:

• The report aims to challenge the tendency towards amputation and promote alternative reconstructive strategies.
• Further discussion and exploration of advanced techniques are encouraged for complex hand and fingertip defects.
• International collaboration and sharing of diverse surgical experiences can advance the field of hand reconstruction.