title: Fingertip reconstruction using the hypothenar perforator free flap.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to present the results of using the hypothenar perforator free flap for fingertip reconstruction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 2004 and 2012, 24 patients underwent reconstruction of fingertip defects using the hypothenar perforator free flap at our institute.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Flap survival was complete in 22 flaps. Flap size ranged from 1.5 to 2.5 cm in width and 2.7-4.5 cm in length. Donor sites were closed primarily in all patients. Healing of all donor sites was uncomplicated, and donor-site morbidity was minimal with acceptable scarring. Long-term follow-up for more than 12 months (range, 12-51 months) was possible in 14 patients and revealed excellent flap sensibility.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The hypothenar perforator free flap provides acceptable functional and cosmetic outcomes for the reconstruction of fingertip defects. The authors recommend that this flap should be considered as a useful option for fingertip reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea. pskim@chonnam.ac.kr
authors.forename: Kwang Seog
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Eui Sik
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Jae Ha
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: Sam Yong
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D006085:Graft Survival; D006225:Hand / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000601:surgery / Q000637:transplantation; D061525:Perforator Flap / Q000098:blood supply*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Fingertip; Flap; Hypothenar; Perforator