• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.587-592
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• 2007

Purpose: In case of postburn flexion contracture of the fingers, skin graft, geometrical relaxation techniques, local flap, and free flap have been used. Among these procedures, full-thickness skin grafts from the inguinal area are widely used to reconstruct a postburn flexion contracture in the fingers. But there are many esthetic and functional problems in this procedure. Especially, hyperpigmentation of the skin-grafted fingers poses a troublesome problem, particularly in the patients who have dark colored skin. To solve the problem, we have used pulp graft which was harvested from the lateral aspect of great toe. In the present study, we report pulp graft, with which we have obtained a good result in the treatment of postburn flexion contracture of the fingers. Methods: Between September of 2004 and August of 2006, great toe pulp graft was performed to 20 sites of 15 patients. After release of the postburn flexion contracture using Z-plasty, the composite tissue (pulp) harvested from the lateral aspect of great toe was grafted on the raw surface. Moisture dressing with ointment and foam dressing material was performed. Stratum corneum of the graft got stripped off in two to four weeks after pulp graft. The color of the pulp graft was slightly reddish, then it became similar to the adjacent tissue. Results: There was complete take in all the patients who were treated with pulp graft. Great toe pulp graft provided similar color and texture to the adjacent skin, high rate of graft take, and left only a minimal scar at donor site. Conclusion: Thick keratin layer and inelastic nature of the pulp make this type of the graft much easier and simpler, and ensure a better take. Pulp graft is useful method for the reconstruction of the postburn flexion contracture in fingers.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.62-68
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• 2018

Background Amputation is commonly performed for toe necrosis secondary to peripheral vascular diseases, such as diabetes mellitus. When amputating a necrotic toe, preservation of the bony structure is important for preventing the collapse of adjacent digits into the amputated space. However, in the popular terminal Syme's amputation technique, partial amputation of the distal phalanx could cause increased tension on the wound margin. Herein, we introduce a new way to resect sufficient bony structure while maintaining the normal length, based on a morphological analysis of the toes. Methods Unlike the pulp of the finger in the distal phalanx, the toe has abundant teardrop-shaped pulp tissue. The ratio of the vertical length to the longitudinal length in the distal phalanx was compared between the toes and fingers. Amputation was performed at the proximal interphalangeal joint level. Then, a mobilizable pulp flap was rotated $90^{\circ}$ cephalad to replace the distal soft tissue defect. This modified toe fillet flap was performed in 5 patients. Results The toe pulp was found to have a vertically oriented morphology compared to that of the fingers, enabling length preservation through cephalad rotation. All defects were successfully covered without marginal ischemia. Conclusions While conventional toe fillet flap coverage focuses on the principle of length preservation as the first priority, our modified method takes both wound healing and length into account. The fattiest part of the pulp is advanced to the toe tip, providing a cushioning effect and enough length to substitute for phalangeal bone loss. Our modified method led to satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.527-532
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• 2008

Purpose: Transverse type or volar oblique type of defect of thumb tip can be covered by Moberg flap or second toe pulp free flap. We compared these two methods in functional result, patients' satisfaction, and sensation, etc. to find a better way to cover the defect of the thumb tip. Methods: From 2003 to 2006, we chose the patients randomly with preoperative pictures. The patients had the defect of the thumb tip which is either transverse or volar oblique type. The 6 patients were treated with Moberg flap and other 6 patients were treated with second toe pulp free flap. We have analyzed the results by 2 point discrimination, side pinching power test, pulp to pulp pinching power test, pain scales (visual analogue scale), satisfaction scales of the patients (functional and aesthetic), the degree of the range of motion, etc. Results: All flaps survived without any complications. In the cases of Moberg flaps, the value of static 2 point discrimination test was 5.6 mm, and the value of moving 2 point discrimination test was 4.8 mm. In the cases of second toe pulp free flaps, the values were 9.6 mm and 9.3 mm. In the cases of Moberg flaps, the value of the Side pinch power test was 6.6 kg, 4.4 kg. In the case of second toe pulp free flaps, the values were 4.8 kg and 2.5 kg. The value of aesthetic satisfaction scale of the patients in Moberg flaps was 5.6, the value of functional satisfaction scale of the patients was 3.6. In cases of second toe pulp free flaps, the values were 5.6 and 3.6. The active range of motion of Interphalangeal joint in the cases of Moberg flaps was 46.6 degree, and the active range of motion of metacarpophalangeal joint was 55 degree, in the cases of second toe pulp free flaps, the values were 36.6 degree and 59 degree. Conclusion: As a result, when the defect of the thumb tip is transverse or volar oblique type, we suggest that the operators choose Moberg flap to cover the defect of the thumb tip.

• 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.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.37-45
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• 2010

Purpose: First introduced by Buncke and Rose in 1979, the neurovascular partial $2^{nd}$ toe pulp free tissue transfer has been attempted to reconstruct posttraumatic finger tip injuries. Although some surgeons prefer other reconstructive methods such as skin graft and local flap, we chose the partial $2^{nd}$ toe pulp flap owing to its many advantages. We report three successful surgical cases in which the patients had undergone this particular method of reconstruction. Methods: We retrospectively examined three cases of fingertip injury patients due to mechanical injury. Bone exposure was seen in all three cases, All had undergone partial toe pulp free flap for soft tissue defect coverage. Results: All flaps survived without any complications such as partial necrosis, hematoma or dehiscence. Although tingling sensation has returned in both cases, two-point discrimination has not returned yet. Currently no patient is complaining of any pain which gradually improved during their course of recuperation. All stitches were removed on postoperative 2 weeks. Patients are satisfied with the final surgical result and there are no signs of any edema or hematoma. Conclusion: The homodigital reconstruction of finger tip injury using the partial $2^{nd}$ toe pulp flap has numerous advantages compared to other reconstructive modalities such as its resistance to wear and tear and in that it provides a non-slip palmar digital surface. However it requires microsurgery which may not be preferred by surgeons. Advanced age of the patient can be a relative contraindication to this approach since atheromatous plaque from the donor toe can compromise flap circulation after surgery. We report three successful cases which patient age was considered appropriate. Further investigation with a larger number of cases and long term follow-up is deemed necessary.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.181-186
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• 2019

Finger reconstruction involves paramount significance of both functional and aesthetic aspects, due to its great impact on quality of life. The options range from primary closure, skin grafts, local flaps, pedicled flaps, and free flaps. The optimal method should consider various circumstances of the patient and surgeon. We would like to report a case of a young woman who initially presented with cellulitis and necrosis of the left second finger-tip who underwent reconstruction with bilateral toe pulp free flap. The patient could successfully return to her job that involves keyboard typing and playing the piano, with acceptable donor site morbidity.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.63-68
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• 2013

Purpose: In case of the failed replantation, if the patients want to preserve the length of amputated stump, toe transfer is the ideal choice. However, reconstruction of these amputated stump with a free flap can be a useful method when the patients refuse sacrificing their toe. Our purpose of this study is to evaluate availability of functional results and patient satisfaction after this procedure. Materials and Methods: From March 2008 to February 2012, we reconstructed the amputated stump with free flap by patients demand. Eleven patients were included, medial plantar artery perforator flap in seven cases and great toe pulp flap in five cases. Follow-up range 12 to 24 months and we evaluate patient satisfaction by using a visual analogue scale (VAS; 1=unsatisfied, 5=excellent) and functional recovery by measuring the range of motion of remaining joint at 12 months after operation. Results: During follow-up period, all transferred free flaps survived and no major complications were noted. Range of motion of remaining joint appeared satisfactory result ($15^{\circ}$ to $100^{\circ}$). The VAS patient satisfaction score for aesthetic were five in six patients, four in four patients, and three in one patient. Conclusion: In case of the failed digital replantation, if patient refuse toe transfer, it could be useful method to reconstruction with the free flap to preserving maximal length of amputated stump.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.66-70
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• 2016

Background In this study, we characterize the morbidity at the donor-site of partial second toe pulp free flaps in terms of wound management as well as long-term outcomes. Methods A single-institutional retrospective review was performed for patients who had undergone partial second toe pulp free flap transfer to the fingertip. Patient charts were reviewed for infection, skin necrosis, wound dehiscence, and hematoma for the donor site. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was given to patients who had a follow-up of longer than 1 year to characterize long-term postoperative pain and appearance. Results The review identified a total of 246 cases. Early wound complications were significant for wound dehiscence (n=8) and hematoma (n=5) for a wound complication rate of 5.3%. The questionnaire was distributed to 109 patients, and 54 patients completed the survey. Out of these 54 patients, 15 patients continued to have donor-site pain (28%) at a mean follow-up period of 32.4 months. However, the pain intensity was relatively low in the range between 2 to 5, on a 0-10 scale. None of these patients felt this donor-site pain interfered significantly with daily activity, nor did any patient require pain medications of any type. Donor-site appearance was satisfactory to most patients. Conclusions The partial second toe pulp flap was associated with low rates of wound complications and favorable long-term outcomes. Given the functional and aesthetic gain in the recipient finger, donor-site morbidities appear acceptable in this patient population. This study can be helpful in counseling patients regarding donor-site morbidity during the informed consent process.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.546-550
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• 2012

Background This study was designed to introduce the feasibility of toe tissue transfer without venous outflow for fingertip reconstruction. Methods Five cases of fingertip defects were treated successfully with this method. Four cases were traumatic fingertip defects, and one case was a hook-nail deformity. The lateral pulp of a great toe or medioinferior portion of a second toe was used as the donor site. An arterial pedicle was dissected only within the digit and anastomosis was performed within 2 cm around the defect margin. The digital nerve was repaired simultaneously. No additional dissection of the dorsal or volar pulp vein was performed in either the donor or recipient sites. Other surgical procedures were performed following conventional techniques. Postoperative venous congestion was monitored with pulp temperature, color, and degree of tissue oxygen saturation. Venous congestion was decompressed with a needle-puncture method intermittently, but did not require continuous external bleeding for salvage. Results Venous congestion was observed in all the flaps, but improved within 3 or 4 days postoperatively. The flap size was from $1.5{\times}1.5cm^2$ to $2.0{\times}3.0cm^2$. The mean surgical time was 2 hours and 20 minutes. A needle puncture was carried out every 2 hours during the first postoperative day, and then every 4 hours thereafter. The amount of blood loss during each puncture procedure was less than 0.2 mL. In the long-term follow-up, no flap atrophy was observed. Conclusions When used properly, the free toe tissue transfer without venous anastomosis method can be a treatment option for small defects on the fingertip area.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.153-158
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• 2012

Purpose: The first web space of the foot has a similar thickness and skin texture of the pulp of the fingers. Moreover, it has a reliable blood vessel and sensory nerve. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of the first web space free flap to reconstruct the pulp of fingers. Materials and Methods: Authors have performed 23 cases of first web space free flap to reconstruct the pulp defect of the fingers between June 2004 and May 2009. The age of the patients ranged from 20 years old to 55 years old. The size of the flap ranged from $1{\times}1.5cm$ to $8.5{\times}2.5cm$. The mean flap area was 5.4 cm2. In 4 cases, we elevated the flap including lateral aspect of the big toe and medial aspect of the second toe. And then we made an artificial syndactyly to reconstruct the pulps on two fingers at the same time. In all cases, we performed 1 digital artery and 1 dorsal vein anastomosis. Every donor site that had a small defect healed spontaneously without any additional operations to cover it. Results: Of this type of surgery 21 flaps (91.3%) survived, 2 flaps (8.7%) failed. There was no severe complication in the donor sites. There was no walking disturbance due to the skin defect of the donor site. The static 2 point discrimination in 11 cases that we could check ranged from 3 mm to 15 mm. Conclusion: The authors believe that the first web space free flap of the foot is a good option for the reconstruction of the pulp of the fingers and it has a minimal donor site morbidity.