Sensory Reconstruction of Finger Pulp Defect Using a Dorsal Digital Island Flap

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Trauma

• Registration Number: NCT01486719
• Lead Sponsor: The Second Hospital of Tangshan

Brief Summary

Sensory reconstruction of the finger pulp is a challenging problem. This article reports repair of the finger pulp defect using the dorsal digital island flap. Both dorsal branches of the proper digital nerves (PDNs) were used for maximal sensory restoration.

Detailed Description

From February 2008 to May 2009, the flap harvested from the dorsum of the middle phalanx of the same finger was used in 12 fingers in 12 patients. The flaps ranged in size from 2.0 × 2.0 cm to 2.8 × 2.2 cm. The mean pedicle length was 1.2 cm. Neurorrhaphy between the dorsal branches of the PDN and PDN was performed in both sides in all cases. Sensibility of the reconstructed finger pulp was evaluated by static 2-point discrimination (2PD) and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test. The range of motion of the donor fingers was measured. The data were compared to those of the opposite sides.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2008-02
• Primary Completion: 2009-05
• Study Completion: 2011-03
• Status Verified: 2011-12
• Study First Submitted: 2011-12-04
• Study First Submitted QC: 2011-12-05
• Last Update Submitted: 2011-12-05
• Study First Posted: 2011-12-06
• Last Update Posted: 2011-12-06

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 12

Inclusion Criteria

1. a finger pulp defect > 1.5 cm in length
2. necessity to preserve finger length
3. patients younger than 60 years .

Exclusion Criteria

1. injury to the dorsum of the middle phalanx of the reconstructed finger that precluded its use as donor site
2. injury to the course of the vascular pedicle or opposite PDA
3. defects < 1.5 cm in length.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
static 2-point discrimination test	Patients were followed for 16-23 months (mean, 19 months)	The patients were assessed at follow-up by an independent senior surgeon who did not attend the treatments. Evaluation included active range of motion (ROM) of the DIP and proximal interphalangeal (PIP ) joints, and static 2-point discrimination (2PD) and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test of the reconstructed finger pulps. These measurements were compared with those on the contralateral site. According to the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), patients reported their satisfaction with the appearance of the injured hand. The questions based on a 5-point response scale.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test	Patients were followed for 16-23 months (mean, 19 months)	The patients were assessed at follow-up by an independent senior surgeon who did not attend the treatments. Evaluation included active range of motion (ROM) of the DIP and proximal interphalangeal (PIP ) joints, and static 2-point discrimination (2PD) and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test of the reconstructed finger pulps. These measurements were compared with those on the contralateral site.