• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.404-410
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• 2012

Background First suggested by Brent in 1979, the pocket principle is an alternative method for patients for whom a microsurgical replantation is not feasible. We report the successful results of a modified palmar pocket method in adults. Methods Between 2004 and 2008, we treated 10 patients by nonmicrosurgical replantation using palmar pocketing. All patients were adults who sustained a complete fingertip amputation from the tip to lunula in a digits. In all of these patients, the amputation occurred due to a crush or avulsion-type injury, and a microsurgical replantation was not feasible. We used the palmar pocketing method following a composite graft in these patients and prepared the pocket in the subcutaneous layer of the ipsilateral palm. Results Of a total of 10 cases, nine had complete survival of the replantation and one had 20% partial necrosis. All of the cases were managed to conserve the fingernails, which led to acceptable cosmetic results. Conclusions A composite graft and palmar pocketing in adult cases of fingertip injury constitute a simple, reliable operation for digital amputation extending from the tip to the lunula. These methods had satisfactory results.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.27-30
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• 2009

Purpose: Recently, replantation of fingertip amputation, Zone I by Yamano classification, is still difficult because digital arteries branch into small arteries and also digital veins are hard to separate from the immobile soft tissue. However the replantation of fingertip in adults is a well-established procedure, but the replantation in infant or child is still uncommon. Therefore we present one case of replantation of the fingertip of the small finger in 12-months-old patient. Methods: We experienced a 12-months-old male amputation of small finger. It had been amputated completely at the level of Zone I by Yamano classification. Replantation was performed using the arteryonly technique with neither vein nor nerve repair. Because the artery has been damaged, it is still possible to make a direct suture by transposing the arterial arch in an inverted Y to I arterial configuration. Venous drainage was provided by an external bleeding method with partial nail excision and repaired margin for approximately 7 days. Results: We were performed replantation in infant with only-arterial anastomosis successfully, result in good recovery of aesthetic and functional outcome. Conclusion: In conclusion, although fingertip injury was difficult to replantation in infant and child, we must try it. Because of its functional and cosmetic advantage.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.75-81
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• 2007

Introduction: Microsurgical replantation of amputated digit have become common procedure in recent years. However replantation of fingertip amputation, Zone I by Yamano classification, is still difficult because digital arteries branch into small arteries and also digital veins are hard to separate from the immobile soft tissue. So, fingertip amputation was covered by volar V-Y flap, composite graft, cross finger flap and groin flap. But patients who have been treated by these methods experience shortening of digit, nail deformity, excessive tenderness and persistent pain. Replantation could solve most of these problems. Material & Methods: In our department, from March 2004 to August 2007, 36 digits in 32 patients with complete amputation at distal to nail base were replanted using a microsurgical technique. Results: The overall survival rate of the replanted finger was 75%. Venous anastomosis was possible in 8 cases and impossible in 28 cases. In latter cases external bleeding technique was applied with medical leech. Conclusion: After replantation, a few patient complained decreased sensibility, nail deformity and cold intolerance. But most of patients were satisfied with the functional and cosmetic appearance of the viable replanted digits. We believe the replantation should be the first choice in fingertip amputation.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.132-138
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• 2011

Although finger tip replantation is popularized nowadays, it is not easy operations even for experienced surgeons. The indication for replantation to treat fingetip amputation is still controversial, but I think replantation for function and cosmetic absolute indication. This paper will discuss about methods of fingertip replantation and unexpected complications on soft tissue after operation.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.763-766
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• 2005

The restoration of the fingernail is not simple in case of amputated distal fingertip which involved the pulp and nail. The nail should maintain a length of at least 2 mm from the eponychium for an adequate grip and decent appearance. Various methods to reconstruct the fingernail bed are available. The nail bed graft from amputated finger or great toe, and free onychocutaneous flap are commonly used. The nail bed of the injured tip tends to be atrophied, deformed and failed as a graft. And the great toe is often turned down as a donor. We have restored satisfactorily the nail beds of three injured finger tips with eponychial cutaneous flaps. The pulps were reconstructed with either a reverse dorsal digital island flap or free pulp graft. Repeated again. A mean follow- up was six months. The nail grew up to the average of 3.7 mm. All patients were satisfied with the length of the nail and met with good cosmetic results. An eponychial cutaneous flap is useful to restore the nail of the distal fingertip amputation. The procedure is relatively simple and morbidity is minimum.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.411-411
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• 2012

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2012

Purpose: This retrospective study was to determine the functional results of patients who were amputated of their fingertip between patients who were treated with replantation and patients who were treated with thenar flap. Materials and Methods: From 2004 to 2007, we identified and operated 159 patients who were diagnosed with fingertip amputations. Of 159 patients, Eighty-two patients were treated by replantation (67 in men and 14 in women) and the mean age at the operation was 41 years (range, 15-68 years). Seventy-nine patients was treated with thenar flap(54 in men and 25 in women) and the mean age at the operation was 43 years(range, 21-70 years). We compared variables between two groups including, age, gender, diagnosis, duration of hospital admission, grip strength, two-point discrimination, Semmes Weinstein monofilament test, active range of motion (ROM) of the proximal and distal interphalangeal (PIP and DIP) joint, pain (or tenderness), paresthesia, cold intolerance, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and finger for activities of daily living (ADLs). Results: The duration of admission was longer in Replantation group than in Thenar flap group(p=0.001). However, the grip strength (p=0.003) and Semmes Weinstein monofilament test (p=0.029) in the Replanation group were statistically superior to the Thenar flap group. The average DASH disability (p=0.003)/symptom score (p=0.007) and ADLs (p<0.001) in the Replantation group was statistically better. In addition, cold intoleranace test of Thenar flap group is worse than the Replantation group. Conclusion: This study demonstrate that fingertip replantation have demonstrated not only to obtain the best appearance but also to gain better functional outcome. However, it is impossible to perform replatation, the thenar flap can be limited alternative method for fingertip amputation in aspect of preservation of range of motion and hospitalization time.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.311-317
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• 2009

Purpose: Traditionally, external bleeding is needed when only an arteriorrhaphy can be performed in cased where a venorrhaphy cannot be done at the initial reconstruction for a zone1 complete amputation. However, this salvage procedure has several iatrogenic complications. Therefore, we did not perform an external bleeding procedure, in cases where external bleeding was not appropriate due to the small size of the stump. Methods: From September 2006 to August 2007, 19 fingertip amputations, among 18 patients, were performed using only arteriorrhaphy without external bleeding; In total 95 fingertip amputations, with venorrhaphy or external bleeding procedures were excluded. The results were reviewed retrospectively to compare survival and complication rates. Results: The survival rate of only arteriorrhaphy without external bleeding is 84.2%. Additional operations for soft tissue problems of total or partial necrosis were performed in 5 cases. Conclusions: We found no difference in the survival and complication rates of only arteriorrhaphy without external bleeding compared to results of only arteriorrhaphy with external bleeding in other articles. Therefore, our results suggest that in some cases with a fingertip amputation, performing arteriorrhaphy only, without external bleeding, might be a better option than external bleeding due to reduced iatrogenic injuries and complications.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.483-486
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• 2008

Purpose: Fingertip injuries are the most common hand injuries and may lead to significant disability. Knowledge of fingertip anatomy is mandatory to treat these injuries effectively. All surgical techniques used for coverage of fingertip injuries must be based on the nature of the injury and the patient's age. Many authors have studied the method of fingertip reconstruction because goals of these treatments should include maintaining length, sensibility, motions, and appearance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of digital artery perforator flap for fingertip reconstruction without aesthetic and functional problems. Methods: From November 2006 to March 2007, the authors performed fingertip reconstruction on 3 fingers of 3 patients, aged between 41 to 54 years (average age, 47 years) using digital artery perforator flap. Results: All fingers recovered successfully and there were no necrosis of the flap. We followed up 3 cases more than 5 months. Light touch and temperature sensation could be detected in all flaps and the static two-point discrimination test was 8 mm. Conclusion: This flap is an alternative choice for coverage of fingertip defects. This method also takes short time to procedure and to recovery. The digital artery perforator flap has never been reported in Korea, however it is considered as a useful method for treatment of fingertip injury.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.590-596
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• 2020

Background The introduction of the partial second toe pulp free flap has enabled superior aesthetic and functional results for fingertip reconstruction in adults. Children undergoing fingertip amputation for various reasons have limited options for reconstruction. Conventional treatment could shorten the finger, leading to poor cosmesis and function. We report 18 years of our experiences with fingertip reconstruction using partial second toe pulp free flaps in patients in early childhood. Methods Medical charts of children who had undergone fingertip reconstruction using partial second toe pulp free flaps from 2001 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The surgical procedures were identical to those for adults, except for the usage of 11-0 nylon sutures. Patients' demographic data, vessel size, flap dimensions, length of the distal phalanx, and functional outcomes over the course of long-term follow-up were documented. The statistical analysis was performed with the Student t-test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and Pearson correlation analysis. Results Eighteen toe pulp flaps in 17 patients (mean age, 3.0 years) were identified. All the flaps survived without any major complications. In long-term follow-up, the flap-covered distal phalanges showed growth in line with regular development. There was no donor-site morbidity, and all children adapted to daily life without any problems. In two-point discrimination tests, the fingertip sensation recovered to almost the same level as that in the contralateral finger. Conclusions Partial second toe pulp free flaps are an excellent option for fingertip reconstruction in young children, as well as in adults.