Thumb reconstruction with a sensory flap from the dorsum of the index finger

The dorsal skin of the index ray is very useful (1) for a one-staged thumb lengthening procedure after amputation, (2) for covering the stump of an avulsed thumb with sensory skin, and (3) for expanding the first web space. The flap may be transferred as a rotation flap, or the dorsal vasculature and nerve supply to the index may be carefully dissected free as a pedicle to permit its use as a neurovascular island flap. We believe that considerably more sensory skin can be transferred by this flap than by the ring finger neurovascular island flap, and that the technical risks and surgical time are less with the index finger flap.