AESTHETIC AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF LOCAL FLAPS OF HAND ON FINGERTIP DEFECT

*Dr. Nikita Rolekar

ABSTRACT

Background: Soft tissue defects of the hand following trauma or tumour resection are frequently encountered in hand surgery and if not managed appropriately it may result in a temporary or permanent disability. Aim and objectives: This study aims to assess the aesthetic and functional outcome of local flaps of hand-on fingertip defect. Methods: We have included 50 cases of fingertip injury of hand in our Institute from July 2021 to June 2024. 31 patients (62%) were male and 19 (38%) were female, in age group from 25 to 55 years. 26 cases had machine injury, 15 cases sharp cut injury, and 9 malignant lesions on the finger. Defects reconstructed with local hand flaps. We have evaluated the aesthetic and functional outcome of local flaps of the hand 6 weeks and 12 months postoperatively. Results: 50 patients with small to medium-sized defects of fingertips of hand, 15 cases were managed with Kutler Bilateral V-Y advancement flap, 12 cases Volar V-Y advancement flap, 11 cases thenar flap, 7 cases cross finger flap, 5 cases FDMA flap. Postoperatively none of the cases had complications in 6 weeks and the functional and aesthetic outcomes were quite acceptable such as 35 patients (70%) had excellent, while 11 patients had good results (22%) and 4 patients had fair results (8%) after 12 months. Conclusions: Local hand flaps are the simple best option to reconstruct fingertip defects and provide excellent soft tissue coverage, texture, and sensation while giving good aesthetic results.

Keywords: Fingertip defect, hand injury, local flaps.