[Reconstruction of nail folds by double pulp flap in congenital complete syndactyly release].

OBJECTIVE

To introduce a surgical approach for reconstruction of nail folds in congenital complete syndactyly release.

METHODS

A narrow flap and a broad flap were raised on the common distal phalanx to cover the denuded nail-edge in 30 fingers of 15 cases whose webs were separated.

RESULTS

All of the flaps were successfully transferred and survived. The reconstructed nail folds had satisfied figure in 21 out of 30 fingers. The nail folds in the other 9 fingers, covered by a broad flap in 2 fingers and by a narrow flap in 7 fingers, were a little smaller than normal. All of the 30 fingers had normal fullness of pulp and no twisty nails.

CONCLUSION

The reconstruction of nail folds by double pulp flap can be performed with a one-stage technique, and the outcome is satisfactory, which make it as a good surgical approach to reconstruct nail folds in congenital complete syndactyly release.