An innervated cross-finger flap for fingertip reconstruction

Plast Reconstr Surg. 1983 Nov;72(5):688-97. doi: 10.1097/00006534-198311000-00020.

Abstract

An innervated cross-finger flap for treatment of severe fingertip injuries is described. With this method, the dorsal skin over the middle phalanx, together with its sensory nerve, is transferred as a compound skin-nerve flap. A neurorrhaphy is performed between this nerve and the cut end of the digital nerve at the injury site. Seven of eight patients (88 percent) treated with this method (mean follow-up time 14.4 months) achieved measurable two-point discrimination. The average for those who did was 4.8 mm. A group of patients with similar injuries treated with standard cross-finger flaps exhibited slower sensory return that progressed to a lower level. In this group (mean follow-up time 16.3 months), three of six (50 percent) achieved measurable two-point discrimination with a mean value of 9 mm.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Finger Injuries / surgery*
  • Fingers / innervation*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Sensation
  • Surgical Flaps*