Use of a bipedicled nerve flap taken from the dorsum of the digit for reconstruction of neurocutaneous defect in the adjacent finger

SummaryA digital nerve defect complicated by an associated soft-tissue loss poses a reconstructive challenge. This article reports reconstruction of a similar complex injury using a bipedicled nerve flap including a nerve graft from the dorsal branch of the digital nerve. From July 2008 to May 2010, a retrospective study was conducted with nine consecutive patients who had a combination of soft tissue and digital nerve defects. The injured fingers requiring reconstruction included three index, four middle and two ring fingers. The mean size of the soft-tissue losses was 2.8 × 2.1 cm. The flap is supplied by the digital artery and the venous drainage is by means of a dorsal vein. The mean flap size was 3.1 × 2.3 cm. The nerve gaps were bridged with the nerve graft attached with the flap. The average length of the nerve grafts was 3.0 cm. All flaps survived completely, and the defects were reconstructed successfully. Venous congestion was not observed in our series. At a mean follow-up period of 23 months, the average scores of static two-point discrimination (2PD) and Semmes–Weinstein monofilament on the finger pulp of the injured side were 7.5 mm and 3.93, respectively. The donor site morbidity was acceptable. According to the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, four patients were strongly satisfied and five were satisfied with functional recovery of the injured finger. The bipedicled nerve flap is a safe and effective option for reconstruction of complex digital injury involving soft tissue and nerve defects. Our technique has been shown to provide sufficient sensory recovery.ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01707654.Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.