title: Dorsal chevron flap for exposure of the proximal interphalangeal joint.
abstract: We have used a dorsal V-flap, or chevron flap, to expose the proximal interphalangeal joint. A retrospective clinical study of its use in 16 patients over 5 years is presented, including indications, functional return of movement, and complications. Long-term follow-up showed an average range of active movement of 70 degrees (range, 13-84 degrees). Surgical exposure of the joint was better than other dorsal approaches and overall recovery of movement was not significantly compromised. Alternative surgical techniques such as the dorsal longitudinal split, dorsolateral split and palmar approach are compared in a group of 36 cases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Australia. matt.e@virgin.net
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Erdmann
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Sach
mesh_terms: D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D017746:Joint Capsule / Q000601:surgery; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000473:pathology; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013710:Tendons / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome