Reconstruction of an amputated fingertip by a prefabricated free volar forearm flap

Abstract

An amputated fingertip was banked temporarily under the skin of the volar wrist. This prefabricated fingertip was transferred back to the finger 2 months later, together with a free flap from the volar wrist based on the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery. The fingertip pulp showed a little pale pigmentation, but maintained its length well. The dorsal tip of the finger looked normal. This two-stage procedure made it possible to salvage the amputated bone and nail. © 2002 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons.