A Novel Approach for Reconstruction of Finger Neurocutaneous Defect: A Sensory Reverse Dorsal Digital Artery Flap from the Neighboring Digit

Objective

Providing soft tissue coverage for finger neurocutaneous defects presents aesthetic and sensory challenges. A common source for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the fingers is the same finger. However, when the donor areas are damaged by concomitant injuries, this option is not available. The present study aims to reconstruct finger neurocutaneous defects using a sensory reverse dorsal digital artery flap from the neighboring digit and to evaluate the efficacy of this technique.

Methods

The study included 16 patients, with an average age of 34.9 years (range, 20–53 years) at the time of surgery, from May 2010 to June 2013. The sensory reverse dorsal digital artery flap was used in all 16 patients, who had a combination of soft tissue and digital nerve defects. The mean size of the soft tissue defects was 3.1 cm × 2.0 cm, and the mean flap size was 3.3 cm × 2.2 cm. The length of the nerve defects ranged from 1.3 to 2.5 cm (mean, 2.0 cm), which were reconstructed with dorsal branches of the proper digital nerve transfer. The active motion of the fingers (injured and donor) and the flap sensibility (static two‐point discrimination) were measured. The appearance and functional recovery of the injured finger and the donor site were assessed using the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire.

Results

All flaps survived completely. No complications were reported, and no further flap debulking procedure was required. At the mean follow‐up period of 24 months (range, 18–30 months), the mean static two‐point discrimination was 6.5 mm (range, 5–10 mm) of the reconstructed area; the mean ranges of motions of the injured finger and the opposite finger at the proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints were 102.2° and 103.5°, and 70.3° and 76.5°, respectively. The average ranges of motions of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints of the donor fingers were 90° and 103.4°, respectively. Based on the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, 10 patients were strongly satisfied and 6 were satisfied with the functional recovery of the injured finger; however, 13 patients were strongly satisfied and 3 were satisfied with the appearance of the injured finger.

Conclusion

The sensory reverse dorsal digital artery flap from the neighboring digit, based on the dorsal branch of the digital artery, is an effective and additional option for finger neurocutaneous defect reconstruction when use of the local and regional flaps is not feasible.