Long term follow up of neurovascular island flaps

The results of a ten year mean follow up of twenty Neurovascular Island Flaps and two Radial Nerve Innervated Cross Finger Flaps are presented. Sensory acuity sufficient for tactile gnosis was achieved in nineteen cases. In only one case had sensory acuity deteriorated since operation. Use of the flap was hampered in one patient by a pre-existing neuroma. Complete sensory reorientation occurred in five patients. Sensory misreference persisted more commonly on dominant hands. It was our impression that Porter's Letter Test revealed the patients making most use of their neurovascular island flaps. The place of neurovascular island flaps in the management of the mutilated hand is discussed.