Reconstruction of a soft tissue defect in the finger using the heterodigital neurocutaneous island flap.
BACKGROUND
This article describes reconstruction of a soft tissue defect in the finger using the heterodigital neurocutaneous island flap and reports the results of the use of the flap.


METHODS
From February of 2008 to March of 2011, the neurocutaneous island flap was used in 12 patients with soft tissue defects in the middle phalanx or the proximal interphalangeal joint, or both. The injured fingers included 4 index, 3 middle, 3 ring and 2 little fingers. The donor fingers included 7 middle fingers and 5 ring fingers. The mean size of soft tissue defects and the flaps was 2.4 cm × 1.8 cm and 2.7 cm × 2.0 cm, respectively. The mean pedicle length was 2.8 cm.


RESULTS
Full flap survival was achieved in 11 cases. Partial distal flap necrosis was noted in one case, which healed without surgical intervention. At a mean follow-up of 22 months, the mean static 2-point discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament scores on the flap were 8.3mm and 3.94, respectively. Based on the modified American Society for Surgery of the Hand guidelines for stratification of 2-point discrimination, 10 (83%) of 12 flaps achieved good results. According to the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, 5 patients were strongly satisfied and 7 were satisfied with functional recovery of the reconstructed finger.


CONCLUSIONS
The neurocutaneous island flap of the dorsal branch of the digital nerve is useful, reliable, and technically easy for reconstructing a defect in the adjacent fingers, especially when sensory reconstruction is needed.
['Chen|Chao|C|', 'Tang|Peifu|P|', 'Zhang|Lihai|L|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D005260:Female D005383:Finger Injuries D005385:Fingers D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D017060:Patient Satisfaction D019651:Reconstructive Surgical Procedures D020127:Recovery of Function D012189:Retrospective Studies D012677:Sensation D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries D013524:Surgical Flaps D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires D016896:Treatment Outcome
Neurocutaneous island flap Dorsal branch of the digital nerve Dorsal digital artery Dorsal digital island flap