PURPOSE: Fingertip injuries are the most common type of hand injuries. The most effective method of reconstruction is controversial functionally and aesthetically. We reports the clinical results of reverse digital artery island sensory flap by bilateral neurorrhaphy for finger tip reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 1998 to November 2000, 11 fingers in 10 patients with soft tissue defect of the distal phalanx were reconstructed using a reverse digital artery island sensory flap. In all cases bilateral neurorrhaphy was performed. RESULTS: The survival of flaps was successful in all cases. All of the patients were followed up for more than 6 months. The mean value of moving two-point discrimination was 4.0 mm. Our patients were usually satisfied with the end result of these flaps both aesthetically and functionally. CONCLUSION: We consider that reverse digital artery sensory flap is a safe and reliable procedure with a high survival rate, and that this modaleity is an excellent choice functionally and aesthetically for the coverage of defects of the distal phalanx.
Arteries* ; Discrimination (Psychology) ; Fingers ; Hand Injuries ; Humans ; Survival Rate