Neurovascular cutaneous flaps for the management of radiation-induced fingertip dermal necrosis

Acute local radiation burns to the fingertips of two patients were treated by late excision of the ulcerations and resurfacing with both free and axial island neurovascular cutaneous flaps. This technique has the advantage over local flaps and skin grafts of not only restoring fingertip function and relieving pain but also bringing in new blood supply to an area previously rendered ischemic.