Fingertip degloving injury coverage with homodactyle bipedicled dorsal island flap

To investigate the curative effect of repairing digital degloving with flaps from the bilateral dorsal branch of the proper digital artery of the same finger.

Twenty-three patients with fingertip degloving injury treated with flaps from the bilateral dorsal branch of the proper digital artery of the same finger in our hospital from February 2020 to March 2022 were retrospectively included. Active finger range of motion, cold intolerance, pain on visual analogue scale and patient satisfaction were evaluated.

There were 3 cases of flap blister and 2 of vascular crisis after the operation, all of which healed after symptomatic treatment. All the other flaps and skin grafts survived. Follow-up ranged between 6 and 25 months (mean, 13.8 months). The skin flap was full in shape and soft in texture. Incidence of cold intolerance was low in the palmar flaps and dorsal flaps, and finger range of motion recovered well. The technique relieved pain, and patients were satisfied with the results.

Flaps from the bilateral dorsal branch of the proper digital artery of the same finger were effective for repair of fingertip degloving. The technique easy to implement, and can repair large defects; the repaired finger shows good function and appearance.