Recovery of disused replanted digits by second toe hemipulp flap transfer.

Abstract

Amputation of the distal phalanx is the most common among all mutilation injuries. Generally, it has been believed that the prognosis of this type of amputation is satisfactory; however, disuse of digits because of severe atrophy and sensory disturbances is frequently observed in the follow-up period. The authors intended to use the second toe hemipulp flap for recovery of these disused digits and transferred the flaps to eight severely atrophic postreplanted digits. Objective sensory recovery was assessed along with estimation of the "usefulness" of the reconstructed fingers. No complications were observed postoperatively, and estimations of the functional results were almost satisfactory. This procedure significantly improved the prognosis of the replantation of severely crushed digits.