Distally Based Dorsal Flag Flap for the Fingertip Defects

Abstract

Background Fingertip injuries are common in plastic surgery practice, with multiple options for the treatment. Dorsal flag flap has been one of the options for the treatment and it has been explained as a proximally based flap. We have tried to understand the reliability of the distally based dorsal flag flap for the finger defects. Methods This work was a retrospective study of consecutive patients with fingertip injuries who had undergone the distally based dorsal flag flap for reconstruction. Results Among 19 patients who underwent reconstruction with the flag flap, 16 hetero-digital flap reconstructions, while 4 homo-digital flap reconstructions were done. We lost one flap, which was used for the same fingertip reconstruction. We had four patients with fingertip ulceration on the flap by 2 months which healed by regular dressings. Conclusion Distally based dorsal flag flap robust flap, which has a narrow base thus, improves maneuverability and helps in bringing the fingers to a comfortable position.