Digital Artery Perforator Flap Use in Reconstruction of Fingertip Defects

Aim: We aimed to report our experience of a digital artery perforator flap use in fingertip and pulp defects reconstruction

 Materials and Methods: 8 patients underwent reconstruction with digital artery perforator flap for their finger defects were enrolled in the study. The patients were evaluated in terms of etiology, sex, age, comorbidities and outcomes.  The size of the flaps ranged from 20 x10 mm to 25 x20 mm.

 Results: The average age of the patients was 43,6 (range:19-66) years. 6 of 8 flaps survived completely and healed uneventfully.1 flap was totally lost where as 1 flap had partial skin necrosis.  No patients complained of cold intolerance or residual joint contracture. Mild hooked nail deformity occurred in one of the patients.

 Conclusions:  The DAPF is a reliable and versatile flap for fingertip defect reconstructions in non smoker patients without comorbidities. Single-stage operating procedure, ease of harvest, rapid recovery and preservation of digital arteries are the most important advantages.