The venous dorsal digital island flap or the "neutral" flap

Over a 4 1/2 year period, 23 patients with an age range of 13 months to 66 years have undergone reconstruction of palmar or dorsal digital and hand defects using a "venous" island flap. The reconstructive surgery was carried out in the S.O.S. Main, Strasbourg. The results of this form of reconstruction are presented. The indications and clinical applications of this controversial flap are discussed.