Digital artery perforator flaps: an easy and reliable choice for fingertip amputation reconstruction.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use and efficacy of digital artery perforator (DAP) flaps in fingertip reconstruction. From 2007 to 2011, 7 fingers of 5 patients (4 male, 1 female) underwent fingertip reconstruction with extended DAP flaps following traumatic fingertip amputation. Average flap size was 4.25 cm². All flaps survived except one case in which partial skin necrosis was observed and treated with wet-dressing. Donor sites were closed with full-thickness skin grafting in 5 and primarily in 2 fingers. We did not observe hypersensitivity or cold intolerance in repaired fingers. The DAP flap is a reliable, free-style perforator flap that can be used for all types of fingertip injuries.