Using Skin of the Cleft as Bipedicle flap for Release of the First Web Space in Congenital Central Deficiency

We are describing a new technique to utilize the skin of the cleft as a bipedicle flap to reconstruct and to widen the narrow first web space in congenital central deficiency. The skin of the cleft maintains its attachments on the dorsal and palmar aspects of the hand and the index finger is passed (tunneled) underneath it so that the skin of the cleft comes to occupy the first web space. This technique ensures maintenance of good blood supply of the skin of the cleft and a rounded edge of the first web without scars across it.