[Homodigital neurovascular island flap according to Venkataswami].

OBJECTIVE

Reliable wound coverage of the fingertip and palmar aspect of the middle finger with a sensate flap in order to restore early function.

INDICATIONS: Palmar, oblique pulp defects or amputations at the distal finger phalange with uncovered bone, tendons, and/or neurovascular structures.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Peripheral perfusion deficiency, size of defect exceeding flap capacity, obliteration of the flap artery, i.e. contralateral finger artery.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Harvesting of adipocutane, midlateral triangle based on proper digital vessel flap; distal flap transposition and primary closure of the harvesting defect, flap dimension 4-5 mm larger than defect.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Finger splint for 2 weeks, followed by exercises with flap conditioning.

RESULTS

Very reliable defect coverage with 9% minor and temporary complications, all of which healed without consequences.