The subcutaneous pulp flap for fingertip defects.

Abstract

Various reconstruction procedures are now available for the treatment of fingertip defects with exposure of the phalanx. Herein we report a subcutaneous pulp flap (SPF) technique, involving use of the adjacent fatty tissue of the wound to form a rotated fatty tissue flap that covers the exposed bone. The SPF was then treated postoperatively with repeated moist dressings. This SPF treatment had minimal donor site defect and morbidity. In brief, the technique is a simple and safe alternative for the reconstruction of fingertip defects. The shortcoming of this flap is that the healing period is longer than for other methods.