title: Sensory recovery of the reverse homodigital island flap in fingertip reconstruction: a review of 66 cases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The location of the fingertip entitles it to have significant cosmetic and functional values, but also places it at high risk for injury. During repair, finger length and function should be maintained, and stiffness and neuroma should be avoided. Various flaps have been described for reconstruction of distal finger defects with bone, tendon, or joint exposures, including reverse flow homodigital island flap. In this study, we present our experience of reverse flow homodigital island flap in terms of sensory recovery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-six patients (70 fingers) with fingertip amputations were included in the study. Patients were treated with homodigital island flaps. All patients underwent sensitivity assessment by 2-point discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament tests at 6, 12, and 18 months during follow-up, and complications were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Monofilament testing results were normal in 64 fingers (91.4%), and diminished light touch was found in six fingers. Two-point discrimination results were normal (<6 mm) in 40 fingers and fair (6-10 mm) in 30 fingers (mean 5.7 mm, range 4-9 mm). Complications included one partial flap necrosis, three flexion contractures, and two neuromas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In repair of injuries to areas in which sensory feedback is critical, such as the index finger, the homodigital flap may be the treatment of choice.
authors.affiliation: İstanbul University, İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, İstanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Mehmet
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yazar
authors.forename: Atakan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aydın
authors.forename: Sevgi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kurt Yazar
authors.forename: Karaca
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Başaran
authors.forename: Erdem
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Güven
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000673:Amputation, Traumatic / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005385:Fingers / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012677:Sensation; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014945:Wound Healing; D055815:Young Adult