title: Sensory reconstruction of a finger pulp defect using a dorsal homodigital island flap.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This article reports sensory reconstruction of a finger pulp defect using a dorsal homodigital island flap including double dorsal branches of the proper digital nerves.
  
  
  METHODS
  From February of 2008 to December of 2009, the dorsal homodigital island flap was used in 15 fingers in 15 patients. The average patient age was 32 years. The injured digits included six index, six long, and three ring fingers. The mean size of the finger pulp defects was 2.4 × 2.0 cm, the mean flap size was 2.5 × 2.1 cm, and the mean pedicle length was 1.2 cm. Neurorrhaphy was performed between the dorsal branches of the proper digital nerves and the proper digital nerves at the recipient site. Flap sensation was assessed using static two-point discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing. For comparison, 28 patients treated using a cross-finger flap including a single nerve branch from February of 2005 to October of 2007 were included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the study group, all flaps survived completely. At a mean follow-up of 19 months, the mean static two-point discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament scores on the pulp were 5.8 mm and 3.94, respectively. In the comparison group, the scores were 8.4 mm and 4.11, respectively. There was a significant difference between the two groups in static two-point discrimination and no significant difference in Semmes-Weinstein monofilament scores.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The dorsal homodigital island flap is an alternative for finger pulp reconstruction. The authors suggest performing double neurorrhaphies to improve flap sensation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Therapeutic, III.
authors: Tangshan, Beijing, Qinhuangdao, and Chengde, People's Republic of China From the Hand Surgery Department, Second Hospital of Tangshan; the Affiliated Hospital of North China Coal Medical College (Hebei United University); the Department of Orthopedics, General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army; the Hand Surgery Department, Second Hospital of Qinhuangdao; and Chengde Medical College.
authors: Chao
authors: C
authors: Chen
authors: Peifu
authors: P
authors: Tang
authors: Xu
authors: X
authors: Zhang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005385:Fingers / Q000294:innervation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012677:Sensation; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult