[Treatment of cutaneous loss of substance of the dorsal surface of the proximal interphalangeal joints of fingers. A general review].

Dorsal skin defects of proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) of fingers are a common situation in hand surgery. Skin grafting is contraindicated in the absence of extensor peritendon. The choice of flap depends on the site and surface area of the skin defect and the injuries of adjacent digits. Homodigital flaps, such as Smith's sliding flap, advancement-rotation or advancement-recession flaps and dorsal V-Y advancement flap, are the first choices for small defects. In case of larger dorsal skin defects, flaps must be raised on the dorsal aspect of the hand, such as reverse dorsal metacarpal flaps, distally based dorsal hand flaps and dorsocommisural flaps. Cross-finger flaps are only used when the previous options are not feasible. Descriptions of the dorsal vascular network have led to the loss of indications for venous flaps, with the exception of the Tsai's venous free flap. In case of multidigital dorsal skin defect, flaps, such as radial forearm flap, pediculed groin flap or free lateral arm flap, used for temporary syndactylisation of the fingers.