OBJECTIVETo investigate a method in repairing pulp defects of thumb and finger.

METHODSTo examine and analyze 19 case of pulp defect of thumb and finger repaired with free pulp flap of toe since 1987.

RESULTSAll the transplanted pulp flaps in 19 cases are survived and are followed up from 3 months to 12 years. All the digits recovered good out appearance with normal skin creases and ridges. The two-point discriminations are 6-8 mm. The repaired thumb or finger are free of paint during pinching and grasping. The split thickness skin grafts on the donor toes yield no hypertrophic scar and no callousity occurred on the donor feet. No detrimental influence occurred on the donor feet.

CONCLUSIONThe free pulp flap transfer has obvious advantages than any other methods in repairing pulp defects of single finger by, first, good outward appearance, second, quality of the skin over donor flap is almost as rub resistant as recipient finger, third, anastomosis of the digital nerves give functional influence, finally, short rehabilitation period however, the operation requires microsurgical technique and has a risk of failure.