Thumb Tip Defect Reconstruction Using Neurovascular Island Pedicle Flap Obtained From Long Finger.

INTRODUCTION: Thumb tip reconstruction has been a very challenging issue for hand surgeons. Varieties of reconstructive options have been described or modified to obtain satisfactory sensory recovery. However, none has yielded entirely satisfactory results. This study reports a retrospective review of clinical data records of patients treated with a neurovascular island pedicle flap obtained from the medial aspect of the long finger.

METHODS: We enrolled 15 patients (9 men and 6 women), who received neurovascular island pedicle flaps for thumb tip amputations between December 2011 and December 2015. The average size of the flap was 2.8 × 2.2 cm(2) (range 2.5 × 1.8 cm(2) to 3.5 × 2.5 cm(2)). At the final follow-up visits, static two-point discrimination, visual analogue scale, Michigan hand outcome questionnaire and return-to-work time were used to evaluate surgical outcomes.

RESULTS: All flaps survived well. The follow-up period was 18 months. The mean static 2PD values at the reconstructed thumb tip and donor finger pulp (medial side) were 5.3 mm (range 4-8 mm) and 3.2 mm (range 3-4 mm), respectively. The average VAS scores for the aesthetic appearance of the donor site and recipient site were 9.1 (range 8-10) and 9.0 (range 8-9.5), respectively. The average Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire (MHOQ) score for hand function (reconstructed hand) was 8.2 (range 6-16). The average RTW time was 8.4 weeks (range 7-12 weeks).

CONCLUSIONS: Neurovascular island pedicle flap obtained from the medial aspect of long finger is a very reliable alternative technique for thumb tip defect reconstruction.

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