Use of partial nail carried by great toe fibular flap for repairing the defect of fingertip soft tissue and nail bed: 12 cases report

Abstract

Objective To investigate the method and clinical outcome of partial nail carried by great toe fibular flap for repairing the defect of fingertip soft tissue and nail bed. Methods From June, 2016 to October, 2017, 12 cases suffered the defect of fingertip soft tissue and nail bed. The injury fingers included 5 index fingers, 6 mindle fingers and 1 ring finger. All cases were complicated with nail bed defect of different degrees. The nail matrix was intact. The area of fingertip defect ranged from 1.0 cm×l.O cm to 1.5 cm×2.5 cm. The area of nail bed defect ranged from 0.2 cm×0.8 cm to 0.5 cm×l.5 cm. Great toe fibular flap combine with partial nail was harvested. Donor site was di-recdy sutured or skin grafting according to the size. The regular preoperative followed-up was performed. Results All flaps survived with donor sites healing good. The average followed-up time was 7 (ranging from 2 to 10) months, and cosmetically acceptable results were achieved for all patients. The mean static 2-PD in the flaps was 7.5 (range, 6.0 to 8.0) mm. No obvious deformity of the great toe nail Conclusion Findings proved that using partial nail carried by great toe fibular flap is a beneficial microsurgical alternative for reconstructing defect of fingertip soft tissue and nail bed.