Reconstruction of distal phalanx defect with microsurgical fascia latae flaps combined with rib and skin graft]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical application of microsurgical fascia latae flaps combined with rib and skin graft for reconstruction of the distal phalanx defect. METHODS: The phalanx wounds were sutured together like syndactyly. The autologeous rib was revised to repair the bone defect of distal phalanx. The fascia latae flap was used to cover the bone exposure with microvascular anastomoses and resurfaced by a meshed split-thickness skin graft. RESULTS: 5 cases were treated successfully. The fascia latae flaps were all survived with only skin graft necrosis at the distal end in one case. It was healed spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: The fascia latae flap is nourished by the desending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery. The flaps has a good blood supply and can be easily obtained with a long vascular pedicle. The flap is ideal for the reconstruction of distal phalanx defect when combined with autologeous rib implant and skin graft.