Functional compatibility of local flaps for coverage of digital skin defects

Objective: To determine if local flap coverage is functionally compatible of digital defects. Study Design: Observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, from January 2017 to June 2019. Methodology: Patients with small and medium skin defects on digits were included. Data was collected for both independent and dependent variables, emphasising on functional outcome based on five parameters (adequate coverage of the defect, functional length of the digit, painless scar, finger-tip sensation, and inter-phalangeal joint motion). Follow-up was done for six months. Results: Total number of patients included in the study was 96, with 45 male and 51 female patients. Mean age of study participants was 26.6 ± 16.9 years. Small to medium size defects were included in the study for coverage by local flaps like cross figure, lateral proximal phalanx, flag, thenar, homo-digital flaps etc. Results were studied in terms of functional outcomes. All the five parameters were achieved in 84 (87.5%) patients. Complications were observed in 10 (10.4%) patients. The most frequent complication was wound infection, which was observed in 2 (2.1%) patients. Conclusion: Local flaps for finger defects are a very effective way of providing durable soft tissue coverage. (author)