[Reconstruction of distal fingeramputations using palmar fingerflaps and the dorsal eponychial flap].

Reconstruction of fingertip amputations, especially if they involve more than half of the fingernail require the surgeon to determine whether the fingernail should be removed. However, aside from aesthetic aspects the fingernail has functional purposes - stabilisation of the pulp and enhancement of sensibility - and should therefore be preserved. Since November 2004 we have been using the technique of combining palmar finger flaps with dorsal eponychial plasty in reconstructing complex distal fingertip defects in 12 patients. All flaps had an uneventful healing. One patient with insufficient bone support after a failed operation developed an onychogryphosis. The remaining patients were satisfied with the result. With a simple technique augmenting the palmar reconstruction of complex fingertip defects by the dorsal eponychial flap plasty we can achieve a better support for the pulpa and also a better cosmetic result.