Repair of Fingertip Degloving Injuries Using the Extended Reverse Second Dorsal Metacarpal Artery Flap.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to introduce modified reverse second dorsal metacarpal artery flap (MRSDMAF) transfer for the treatment of fingertip degloving injuries.

METHODS

From January of 2004 to March of 2020, 31 patients with fingertip degloving injuries underwent MRSDMAF transfer. The mean defect and flap size were 4.5 × 1.6 cm and 4.7 × 1.7 cm, respectively. Nerve repair was performed in 18 fingers. Flap sensation, function restoration of the reconstructed fingers, and donor-site morbidity were assessed. For comparison, we reviewed a cohort of 45 patients undergoing modified cross-finger flap (MCFF) transfer.

RESULTS

Complete flap survival was achieved in 28 fingers, and partial distal flap necrosis was noted in 3 fingers. After a mean of 24 months, the static 2-point discrimination was 8.6 ± 1.0 mm and 7.2 ± 0.8 mm in the MRSDMAF and MCFF groups, with a significant difference ( P < 0.0001). Sensory restoration of the MRSDMAF group was inferior to that of the MCFF group. In addition, the MRSDMAF group presented a higher incidence of fingertip pain ( P = 0.019) and suboptimal appearance of the reconstructed finger ( P = 0.036). On the donor site, the MRSDMAF group presented a lower incidence of scar pain ( P = 0.030) and better appearance ( P = 0.025).

CONCLUSION

MRSDMAF transfer is an alternative treatment for fingertip degloving injuries, especially when MCFF transfer is not feasible.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.