The distally-based dorsal hand flap for resurfacing skin defects in Dupuytren's contracture

Surgery for recurrence of Dupuytren's disease often results in a volar skin defect. The use of the distally-based dorsal hand flap for resurfacing is reported. 17 flaps were used to cover 16 fingers after radical digital fasciectomy. All flaps survived with minor areas of partial necrosis in four of them. The raising of the flap was a simple procedure and good quality skin cover was achieved. There were no complaints about the donor site or the flap pedicle passing between the digits. The short post-operative immobilization time might result in less stiffness and a better functional result. It is concluded that the flap is a useful technique in treating skin defects in this condition resulting from surgical excision of the disease and involved skin.