title: Distally based cross-finger flaps for amputation stumps in avulsion amputations.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Though advances in microsurgery have resulted in better survival rates of replants, replanting crushed and avulsed digits are difficult. If replantation is not possible these digits need local tissue cover to retain length.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty seven patients underwent distally based cross finger flaps for coverage of exposed vital structures over the amputation stumps.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All the flaps survived well. They provide good quality thin pliable tissue over the fingertips and help in achieving near normal range of movements in injured digits.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Distally based cross finger flap gives tissues of right dimensions, at the most desired site, making reconstruction of these difficult problems quiet easy.
authors: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Hospital, Thrissur, Kerala, India.
authors: Rahul K
authors: RK
authors: Patil
authors: Sachin
authors: S
authors: Chavre
keywords: Coverage of terminal finger defects; cross-finger flaps; distally based flaps