title: Double V-Y Flap to Cover the Fingertip Injury: New Technique and Cases.
abstract: The volar V-Y flap is used in transverse or dorsal oblique amputations in fingertip injuries; however, its use is contraindicated in patients with volar oblique amputations and cannot advance distally enough to cover the defect. The aim of this report is to describe a technique of double V-Y flap to cover fingertip defects in which a simple V-Y flap is not enough. This technique allows advancement between 30% and 50% farther than the original, simple V-Y flap. Report of cases a series of fingertip amputation covered with this technique. This technique was performed in 7 patients between 25 and 64 years old, with transverse, volar and dorsal oblique defects in the fingertip. The advancing of the flap was between 3 and 5 mm. There were no infections or necrosis of the flaps. In all patients there were acceptable aesthetic results with 2-point discrimination between 4 and 6 mm in the proximal flap and up to 10 mm in the distal flap with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. With this double V-Y flap, we have seen a good coverage even in volar oblique amputation. In addition, it is possible to advance up to 5 mm more with this second V-Y flap without compromising the vitality of the flap. It is a simple and reproducible technique that can be used on any finger, with good results, without flap necrosis.
authors.affiliation: *Asotrauma Clinic, Ibagué †Orthopedics and Traumatology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia.
authors.forename: Luis C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Díaz
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vergara-Amador
authors.forename: Lina M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Fuentes Losada
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000673:Amputation, Traumatic / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps