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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Engineered Vascularized Muscle Flap
Published on: January 11, 2016
[Homodigital neurovascular island flap according to Venkataswami]
Christian K Spies1, Lars P Müller2, Johannes Oppermann2
1Abteilung für Handchirurgie, Vulpius Klinik, Vulpiusstr. 29, 74906, Bad Rappenau, Deutschland. christianspies27@gmail.com.
Objective:
Reliable wound coverage of the fingertip and palmar aspect of the middle finger with a sensate flap in order to restore early function.
Indications:
Palmar, oblique pulp defects or amputations at the distal finger phalange with uncovered bone, tendons, and/or neurovascular structures.
Contraindications:
Peripheral perfusion deficiency, size of defect exceeding flap capacity, obliteration of the flap artery, i.e. contralateral finger artery.
Surgical Technique:
Harvesting of adipocutane, midlateral triangle based on proper digital vessel flap; distal flap transposition and primary closure of the harvesting defect, flap dimension 4-5 mm larger than defect.
Postoperative Management:
Finger splint for 2 weeks, followed by exercises with flap conditioning.
Results:
Very reliable defect coverage with 9% minor and temporary complications, all of which healed without consequences.
