The Dorsal Middle Phalangeal Finger Flap

1997 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 362-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. LEUPIN ◽  
J. WEIL ◽  
U. BÜCHLER
Keyword(s):  
Digital Artery ◽  
Digital Nerve ◽  
Venous Flow ◽  
Cold Intolerance ◽  
Dorsal Vein ◽  
Neurovascular Flap ◽  
Dorsal Branch ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
A Prospective Study

The dorsal middle phalangeal finger (DMF) flap is a (neuro)vaseular island flap based on one palmar proper digital artery, its venae comitantes (and/or a separate dorsal vein) and the dorsal branch(es) of the palmar digital nerve. The main nerve supply of the donor finger is left undisturbed. The flap may be raised on a short antegrade, long antegrade or a retrograde pedicle, and used as a free, arterial and/or venous flow-through or neurovascular flap. In a prospective study (mean follow-up of 50 months), the results of 43 DMF flaps were analysed. All flaps survived, retained patency of their vascular pedicles and fulfilled their goals. Neurovascular flaps provided sensate coverage at the S3+ level with static 2-point discrimination values of about 10 mm. Dissection between the proper digital nerve and the rest of the neurovascular bundle induced a 5% incidence of cold intolerance and a 12% occurrence of S3+ hypaesthesia. Advantages, drawbacks and indications of DMF flaps are outlined.

scholarly journals First dorsal metacarpal artery flap with dorsal digital nerve with or without dorsal branch of the proper digital nerve produces comparable short-term sensory outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shi-Ming Feng ◽  
Jia-Ju Zhao ◽  
Filippo Migliorini ◽  
Nicola Maffulli ◽  
Wei Xu
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Digital Nerve ◽  
Reconstruction Procedure ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Cold Intolerance ◽  
Dorsal Branch ◽  
Dorsal Metacarpal Artery ◽  
Retrospective Comparative Study ◽  
First Dorsal Metacarpal Artery

Abstract Background The first dorsal metacarpal artery flap, including dorsal digital nerves with or without dorsal branches of the proper digital nerves, can be used to reconstruct thumb pulp defects with good results. However, it is still unclear whether there are differences in the sensory outcomes between preserving or not preserving the dorsal branches of the proper digital nerves. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 137 thumb pulp defect patients who underwent first dorsal metacarpal artery flap reconstruction procedure from October 2015 to June 2019. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether the dorsal branches of the proper digital nerves were preserved. In the non-preservation group (n = 80), the dorsal digital nerves were included in the flap for sensory reconstruction. In the preservation group (n = 57), the dorsal digital nerves and the dorsal branches of the proper digital nerves of the index finger were included in the flap. The stump of the proper digital nerves in the defect was coaptated to the donor nerves of the flap using the end-to-end fashion. At the last follow-up, static two-point discrimination, Semmes–Weinstein monofilament scores, pain, cold intolerance of the reconstructed finger, and patient satisfaction in both groups were compared. Results All patients were followed up for at least 17 months. No significant differences were found regarding pain of thumb pulp, static two-point discrimination, Semmes–Weinstein monofilament score, cold intolerance in the injured finger, and patient satisfaction. The non-preservation group presented slightly shorter operative times (p < 0.05). Conclusion There are no differences at 2 years in postoperative clinical outcomes when dorsal digital nerves are used to reconstruct flap sensation regardless of preservation of the dorsal branches of the proper digital nerves in the first dorsal metacarpal artery flap. Level of evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

scholarly journals Long-Term Outcomes of Digital Nerve Repair Accompanied by Digital Artery Injury in Flexor Zone 2

2019 ◽  
Vol 06 (01) ◽  
pp. e7-e9
Author(s):  
Gokce Yildiran ◽  
Mustafa Sutcu ◽  
Osman Akdag ◽  
Zekeriya Tosun
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Blood Supply ◽  
Nerve Repair ◽  
Arterial Injury ◽  
Digital Artery ◽  
Digital Nerve ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Sensory Recovery

Abstract Objectives Better healing results of any tissue or area is closely linked with a well-blood supply in reconstructive surgery. Peripheric nerve healing is closely related to blood supply as well. We aimed to assess whether there was any difference between digital nerve healing with and without extrinsic blood supply. Methods We assessed 48 patients with unilateral digital nerve injury at zone 2. Twenty-four of them had unrepairable arterial injury and other 24 had no arterial injury. The 24 patients in the “unrepaired artery group” (UA) and 24 patients in the “intact artery group” (IA) were compared. Results Mean follow-up time was 17.7 months. The mean two-point discrimination (2PD) was 5.29 mm in IA group and 5.37 mm in UA group. One neuroma in IA group and two neuromas in UA group were determined. We found no statistically significant difference between these groups in terms of neuroma, 2PD, and cold intolerance. The results of British Medical Research Council sensory recovery clinical scale were comparable for these two groups. Conclusion Digital nerve healing is related to numerous factors. We hypothesized that blood flow may be one of these factors; however, at this zone digital artery repair is not the foremost determinant for digital nerve healing. Further researches should be done for upper injury levels. Despite this result, we argue not to leave the digital artery without repairment and we propose to repair both artery and nerve to achieve the normal anatomical integrity and to warrant finger blood flow in possible future injuries.

Modified Littler flap for sensory reconstruction of large thumb pulp defects

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 546-553 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Wang ◽  
Xiaoxi Yang ◽  
Chao Chen ◽  
Bin Wang ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Donor Site ◽  
Ring Finger ◽  
Middle Finger ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Digital Nerve ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Dorsal Branch ◽  
Ulnar Aspect ◽  
Monofilament Test

The Littler flap has been widely used to repair large pulp defects of the thumb; however, several complications have occurred frequently. In order to reduce these issues, the modified Littler flap innervated by the dorsal branch of the proper digital nerve and the proper digital nerve from the ulnar aspect of the middle finger or the radial aspect of the ring finger were devised in 16 consecutive cases. At the donor site, the defect of the proper digital nerve was repaired with a nerve graft from the proximal portion of the ipsilateral dorsal branch of the proper digital nerve. At the final follow-up, the scores for the static two-point discrimination test, Semmes–Weinstein monofilament test and total active motions in both recipient and donor fingers were nearly normal. This modified Littler flap provides a simple and reliable alternative for treatment of large defects of the thumb pulp with low donor-site morbidity. Level of Evidence: IV

A Comparative Study of the Heterodigital Neurovascular Island Flap in Thumb Reconstruction, with and without Nerve Reconnection

1994 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 552-559 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. ADANI ◽  
P. B. SQUARZINA ◽  
C. CASTAGNETTI ◽  
A. LAGANÁ ◽  
G. PANCALDI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Donor Site ◽  
Functional Results ◽  
Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Hypertrophic Scarring ◽  
Digital Nerve ◽  
Thumb Reconstruction ◽  
Cold Intolerance ◽  
Scar Contracture ◽  
Sensory Acuity

41 heterodigital neurovascular island flaps were used to cover defects of the tactile pad of the thumb in 17 years. With an average follow-up of 75.5 months, 30 patients were reviewed. 17 were treated by the original Littler technique and 13 were treated with the same flap reconstruction but with division of the digital nerve innervating the flap and re-anastomosis of this nerve to the proximal nerve end of the ulnar digital nerve of the thumb. Good aesthetic and functional results were achieved in both groups. Sensory acuity did not appear to decrease with time. The nerve reconnection technique solves the “double sensibility” phenomenon (present in 41.1% of our cases treated by the original technique), but two-point discrimination is less than that achieved by the Littler technique. Most complaints were related to the donor site such as hypertrophic scarring or scar contracture and cold intolerance, but these did not cause any real functional impairment.

Does nerve repair influence the outcome of reconstruction of a digital nail defect using a free composite flap taken from the great toe?

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 583-590 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. Zhang ◽  
C. Chen ◽  
Y. Li ◽  
X. Shao ◽  
W. Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nerve Repair ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Digital Nerve ◽  
Great Toe ◽  
Dorsal Branch ◽  
Mean Size ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Repair Group ◽  
Composite Flap

We describe reconstruction of a nail unit defect in the finger using a free composite flap taken from the great toe, comparing the outcome in patients in whom neurorrhaphy between the dorsal digital nerve of the great toe and the dorsal branch of the proper digital nerve of the injured finger was performed to those in which no nerve repair was made. From January 2002 to March 2009, 47 patients with traumatic fingernail defects were treated. Twenty-two patients before February 2005 had no nerve repair and subsequently 25 patients had nerve repair. The mean size of the germinal matrix and sterile matrix defects was 9 × 8 mm, and the mean size of the nail bed flaps was 9 × 9 mm. The mean length of the arteries used for the flap was 2.2 cm. Outcomes were rated. In the nerve repair group, full flap survival was achieved in 24 patients. At the mean follow-up period of 25 months, there were 12 excellent, seven very good, four good, and two fair results. In the comparison group without nerve repair, there were seven excellent, four very good, four good, five fair, and two poor results. Donor site morbidities were similar in both groups. The use of a free composite flap taken from the great toe is a useful technique for reconstructing nail unit defects in the finger. Innervated nail flap reconstructions tended to show better outcomes than those in which no nerve repair was performed. There is no difference in function or donor site between those in whom the nerve was repaired compared with those in whom it was not repaired.

Prevalence, characteristics and natural history of cold intolerance after the reverse digital artery flap

2015 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. C. Sun ◽  
Q. Z. Chen ◽  
J. Chen ◽  
Z. W. Qian ◽  
J. Kong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
Lower Incidence ◽  
Ring Finger ◽  
Digital Artery ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Cold Intolerance ◽  
Symptom Severity Score ◽  
History Of ◽  
Lost To Follow Up

This retrospective study was designed to investigate the prevalence, characteristics and natural history of cold intolerance after the use of the reverse digital artery flap. A total of 123 patients were treated between 2010 and 2013. After excluding patients who were lost to follow-up, 87 patients were studied. The mean follow-up time was 34 months (range 14–61). Cold intolerance occurred in 60% (52) of patients after the reverse digital artery flap procedure. The condition improved in only 15% (8) of the patients. Significant differences were observed in the age and the specific digit involved between the groups with and without cold intolerance. There was a lower incidence in younger patients, and the ring finger group showed a lower incidence than in other fingers. Furthermore, the Cold Intolerance Symptom Severity score was positively correlated with the temperature at which cold intolerance was triggered. Level of evidence: IV

A comparison between complete immobilisation and protected active mobilisation in sensory nerve recovery following isolated digital nerve injury

2011 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 422-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. P. Henry ◽  
R. I. Farkhad ◽  
F. S. Butt ◽  
M. O’Shaughnessy ◽  
S. T. O’Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
Return To Work ◽  
Clinical Assessment ◽  
Nerve Repair ◽  
Sensory Nerve ◽  
Digital Nerve ◽  
Cold Intolerance ◽  
Clinical Recovery ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Nerve Recovery

Post-operative immobilisation following isolated digital nerve repair remains a controversial issue amongst the microsurgical community. Protocols differ from unit to unit and even, as evidenced in our unit, may differ from consultant to consultant. We undertook a retrospective review of 46 patients who underwent isolated digital nerve repair over a 6-month period. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 18 months. Twenty-four were managed with protected active mobilisation over a 4-week period while 22 were immobilised over the same period. Outcomes such as return to work, cold intolerance, two-point discrimination and temperature differentiation were used as indicators of clinical recovery. Our results showed that there was no significant difference noted in either clinical assessment of recovery or return to work following either post-operative protocol, suggesting that either regime may be adopted, tailored to the patient’s needs and resources of the unit.

The Heterodigital Reversed Flow Neurovascular Island Flap for Fingertip Injuries

1999 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 431-436 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. ADANI ◽  
R. BUSA ◽  
R. SCAGNI ◽  
A. MINGIONE
Keyword(s):  
Reverse Flow ◽  
Island Flap ◽  
Digital Artery ◽  
Reversed Flow ◽  
Palmar Arch ◽  
Microsurgical Reconstruction ◽  
Dorsal Branch ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
The Common ◽  
Skin Coverage

We report the results of pulp reconstruction with a new heterodigital reverse flow island flap. A dorsolateral flap from the middle phalanx, based on the digital artery is raised from the adjacent uninjured finger. The common digital artery, between the injured finger and the donor finger, is ligated and transected just before its bifurcation. The two converging branches of the digital arteries can be entirely mobilized as a continuous vascular pedicle for the flap. Thus the vascularization is now supplied by reverse flow through the proximal transverse digital palmar arch of the injured finger. To provide sensation the dorsal branch of the proper digital nerve from the donor finger can be included in the flap. Six reverse heterodigital island flaps were used in patients. In five patients the flap was used for pulp reconstruction and in one case for covering a dorsal digital defect. In one case mild venous congestion occurred. Good skin coverage with supple and well-vascularized skin was obtained in each patient. The static two-point discrimination over the flap was between 6 and 15 mm. This new procedure is indicated for extensive pulp defects in fingers in which reconstruction cannot be done using other flaps and as an alternative to microsurgical reconstruction.

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