Timeline of Cross Finger Flap: From its Inception to its Future

Abstract

Since the first description of the cross-finger flap in 1950 for finger injury defect cover, over the last 70 years it has been tremendously explored and has underwent innumerable refinements and modifications. Whether used alone or in combination with other flaps for the reconstruction of finger defects, traumatic or non-traumatic, cross finger flap has proven its worth as a workhorse for finger reconstruction. Despite a handful of innate disadvantages, it has given excellent sensory, functional, and aesthetic outcomes in vast majority of studies. This article has been an attempt to reveal the entire rich journey and inexhaustible history of cross finger flap. With such a grandiose potential, it only seems that the cross finger flap will be continuously evolving over time and keep serving mankind in better ways.

Cross‐finger flap as ultima ratio for the reconstruction of defects of the finger flexor sides

“…The designation “cross‐finger flap” is attributed to Cronin 5 . Since then, numerous modifications have been described, but the procedure is still considered the “workhorse” in the reconstruction of traumatic and nontraumatic finger defects 7 . Since the cross‐finger flap is asensitive in the original technique shown here, it is preferably used on the palmar aspect of the long fingers beyond the finger pads.…”

Cross‐Finger‐Flap als Ultima Ratio zur Defektrekonstruktion an den Fingerbeugeseiten

“…Die Bezeichnung der Technik als Cross‐Finger‐Flap geht auf Cronin zurück 5 . Seither wurden eine Reihe von Modifikationen beschrieben, jedoch gilt das Verfahren nach wie vor als „Arbeitstier“ in der Rekonstruktion traumatischer und nichttraumatischer Fingerdefekte 7 . Da der Cross‐Finger‐Flap in der hier dargestellten, ursprünglichen Technik asensibel ist, kommt er bevorzugt an der Palmarseite der Langfinger außerhalb der Fingerbeeren zur Anwendung.…”