Autotransplantation of heterodigital neurovascular free flaps for plasty of finger defects.

The authors report eight microsurgical operations to repair soft tissue defects of the fingers using free neurovascular autografts taken from the lateral surfaces of digits 3 and 4. In seven cases, the transferred flaps survived, and one case resulted in necrosis of the transplant. Follow-ups were from one to 12 months. Good cosmetic and functional results were recorded including restoration of sensory discrimination. The procedure described is regarded as an alternative for repairing terminal and other soft-tissue defects of the fingers.