Erschienen in:
14.07.2021 | Original Paper
Workhorse flaps for distal digital reconstruction: an algorithmic approach to surgical decision-making
verfasst von:
Samarth Gupta, Pradeep Goil, Arbab Mohammad, Joseph M. Escandón
Erschienen in:
European Journal of Plastic Surgery
|
Ausgabe 1/2022
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Abstract
Background
Owing to its intricate structural and functional anatomy, the fingertip is immensely critical for a wide range of functions like sensation, gripping and fine handling. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with such injuries and their available treatment plans to ensure satisfactory aesthetic and functional results. We present our experience on fingertip reconstruction along with a critical analysis of the employed reconstructive techniques, their outcomes and an algorithm-based approach to address fingertip injuries.
Methods
A retrospective chart review of all fingertip injuries presented to the Sawai Man Singh Hospital was conducted during September 2018 and September 2020. Data on the defects size, type of reconstructive technique employed, surgical outcomes and surgical complications was recorded and analyzed.
Results
This study included 92 fingertip injuries in 80 participants, 22 injured thumbs, 21 injured index fingers, 24 injured middle fingers, 20 injured ring fingers and 5 injured little fingers were reported. The most common mechanism of injury was machine injury (n = 58, 72.5%) and electric burn (n = 12, 15%). The most common surgical techniques were the V–Y advancement flap (n = 30), Moberg flap (n = 10), reverse homodigital island flap (n = 8) and first dorsal metacarpal artery flap (n = 8). The average size of soft tissue defect was 2.1 cm.
Conclusions
Adequate knowledge of the anatomical structures, a satisfactory analysis of the type and mechanism of injury aid in the selection of reconstructive alternatives for fingertip injury, which, in turn, prevents secondary deformities, improves functional outcomes and decreases secondary reconstructive procedures that are more complicated and have unpredictable results.
Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.