Is the cross-finger flap a good option at the extensor zone defect?

Area of Science:

• Hand surgery
• Reconstructive surgery
• Microsurgery

Background:

• Dorsal digital defects pose reconstructive challenges.
• Previous methods may have limitations in functional outcomes or donor site morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the surgical and clinical outcomes of reversed cross-finger subcutaneous flaps.
• To assess functional results and patient-reported outcomes for dorsal digital defects.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 25 patients with dorsal digital defects treated with reversed cross-finger subcutaneous flaps.
• Data collected at six months postoperatively included cold intolerance, two-point discrimination, range of motion (ROM), and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) scores.

Main Results:

• All flaps remained viable postoperatively with no donor site morbidity.
• No statistically significant difference in finger joint ROM was observed.
• Cold intolerance affected 56% of patients, with a mean two-point discrimination of 6.0 mm and a mean QuickDASH score of 22.3.

Conclusions:

• Reversed cross-finger subcutaneous flaps provide satisfactory functional outcomes for dorsal finger defects.
• The procedure is characterized by minimal donor site morbidity and ease of application.
• This technique is a suitable option for reconstruction, including cases with extensor mechanism defects.