Clinical effects of resurfacing fingertip amputations in long fingers using homodigital dorsal neurofascial broaden pedicle island flaps

Abstract

The use of homodigital dorsal neurofascial broaden pedicle island flaps (HDNBPIF) to treat fingertip amputations is an ongoing research topic. Here, we evaluated the clinical effects of resurfacing fingertip amputations in long fingers using HDNBPIF. Seventeen patients with 18 long fingers were treated with HDNBPIF from December 2018 to May 2021. Total active motion (TAM) scores, Semmes Weinstein monofilament (SWM) test, static 2PD test, visual analogue scale (VAS), Vancouver scar scales (VSS), and quick DASH scores were evaluated at 12–25 months postoperation. The aesthetic satisfaction of the patients was estimated subjectively using a 5-point Likert scale. The mean defect size was 1.11 × 1.13 cm and mean flap size was 1.32 × 1.32 cm. All flaps survived and the mean TAM of injured fingers was 255.6° (Contralateral side: 268.4°, p < 0.05). Mean SWM score in the flap was 3.90 g, and 3.22 g in the donor zone. Mean static 2PD discrimination in the flap was 5.61 mm and 4.33 mm in the donor zone. Mean quick Dash scores were 5.81 whereas Mean VAS score in the flap was 0.7 and 0.2 in the donor site. Vancouver scar scales at the donor and recipient sites ranged from 0 to 2. At the end of the follow-up, all patients reported good aesthetic appearance and curative effects. These results show that HDNBPIF is a promising strategy that achieves good curative effects and recovery of fingertip functions.

Type of Study and Level of Evidence: Therapeutic IV

Keywords:

• Fingertip amputation
• long fingers
• broaden pedicle
• neurofascial
• sensory recovery

Acknowledgement

The authors thanks all participants and hospital staff for their valuable contribution to this work. We also thank the education and health project of Wujiang District of Suzhou City for supporting this study.

Ethical approval

The study was approved by ethical committee of Suzhou Yongding Hospital with an approve No. 201801.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by education and health project of Wujiang District of Suzhou City: wwk 201828.