[The deepithelialized cross-finger flap: a good method for covering large dorsal finger defects].
BACKGROUND
Injuries to the dorsum of the finger are common. Combination with exposure of important deeper structures needs reconstruction with a flap. The deepithelialized cross-finger flap is a good possibility for covering large dorsal finger defects.


METHODS
From March 2003 to October 2003 six patients (two female, four male) underwent this procedure.


RESULTS
Neither flap loss nor infection was observed. All defects were covered adequately, and no donor site problems occurred. One week after flap division, the function of the involved finger joints had the same range of motion as the contralateral finger joints.


CONCLUSIONS
The deepithelialized cross-finger flap is a good and safe method for defect cover in large dorsal finger defects. The good postoperative range of motion supports the indication for this two-step reconstruction procedure.
Dabernig
J
J
Abteilung für Hand-, Mikro- und Plastische Chirurgie, Amper-Kliniken AG, Klinikum Dachau. joerg.dabernig@gmx.at
Shilov
B
B
Schumacher
O
O
Turner
A J
AJ
Stirn
N
N
Dabernig
W
W
Lenz
C
C
Schaff
J
J
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000379:methods