Microsurgical medial plantar flap banking: a method of choice for digital tip injury?

Abstract

A tip injury of the left thumb was repaired via microsurgical medial plantar flap banking. The medial plantar flap was transferred temporarily to the lower abdominal wall and was anastomosed microsurgically to the deep inferior epigastric artery and vein as a banked flap. It was later grafted to the thumb in a manner similar to a pedicled flap. The flap was transferred successfully, and the tissue texture and bulk was sufficient, with considerable sensory recovery and minimal donor site deformity. This method may be worthwhile to consider as one of the options of digital tip reconstruction, and the concept of microsurgical flap banking may be promising in the field of reconstructive microsurgery.