Partial second-toe pulp free flap for fingertip reconstruction: Experience and surgical tips to minimize complications.

[BACKGROUND] Traumatic fingertip injury is a common hand injury and various methods are available to address them. The partial second-toe pulp (PSTP) free flap is useful because of the similarity in shape, texture, and sensation to the fingertips. However, there may be many difficulties during surgery. The purpose of this report is to make the surgery easier and minimize complications by sharing the surgical tips of the authors obtained through many experiences.

[PATIENTS AND METHODS] Thirty patients who underwent PSTP free flap due to trauma were reviewed retrospectively from February 2015 to June 2018. The average age of the patients was 49.4 years. Seventeen were injured on the right side and 13 were on the left side. After removal of the injured tissue, a teardrop-shaped flap was harvested from the medial side of the second toe. When inset, skin graft or vein graft was performed if necessary. When primary closure of the donor site was difficult, skin graft was performed (n = 21). The factors noted during surgery were analyzed.

[RESULTS] The flap size was 2.39 (range: 1.5-5) x 1.29 (range: 1-1.8) cm . All flaps survived. Venous congestion was found in two patients, neuroma was found in one patient, and partial necrosis was found in two patients; all recovered with conservative care. The mean follow up periods was 5.79 (range: 2-18) months. None of the patients had functional impairment.

[CONCLUSION] Successful reconstruction and enhanced functional and cosmetic effects can be achieved using surgical tips.