'Jumping' cross finger flaps: A useful technique for salvaging parts in mutilating hand injuries

Abstract

In multi-digital injuries, soft tissue from non-adjacent injured fingers, which would have otherwise been discarded, can be used to cover small defects in salvageable digits. This was found useful in the salvage of four digits and one thumb. Anticipation of the need for a flap cover, and the possible availability of tissue in non-adjacent digits, is of paramount importance during the planning process in these injuries. This technique of using 'jumping' cross finger flaps is a useful method, when dealing with multiple finger mutilations that need soft tissue cover. (C) 2000 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons.