BACKGROUND: The type of repair chosen to manage defects on the dorsal aspects of the hands and fingers can affect overall hand function. Preservation of manual function in these areas is critical. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of second-intention healing of defects on the dorsal surface of the hands and fingers after Mohs micrographic surgery and to define optimal wound parameters for choosing second-intention healing. METHODS: Fifty-nine patients who had undergone second-intention healing of a Mohs defect on the dorsum of a hand or finger were contacted and their records obtained; 48 patients completed the study. Healing by second intention was assessed according to self-evaluation and retrospective review of medical records based on six outcome variables, including functional ability, durability, sensation, and cosmetic result. RESULTS: Defects ranged in size from 0.8 to 6.0 cm. Patient records revealed no documented problems with function, durability, sensation, cosmesis, or wound infection. All patients reported excellent or good functional results and normal sensation within the scar, and most reported excellent or good scar durability and cosmesis. CONCLUSION: Second-intention healing is an effective option for repairing defects on the dorsum of the hand and fingers. Large defect size is not a contraindication for second-intention healing.
BACKGROUND: The type of repair chosen to manage defects on the dorsal aspects of the hands and fingers can affect overall hand function. Preservation of manual function in these areas is critical. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of second-intention healing of defects on the dorsal surface of the hands and fingers after Mohs micrographic surgery and to define optimal wound parameters for choosing second-intention healing. METHODS: Fifty-nine patients who had undergone second-intention healing of a Mohs defect on the dorsum of a hand or finger were contacted and their records obtained; 48 patients completed the study. Healing by second intention was assessed according to self-evaluation and retrospective review of medical records based on six outcome variables, including functional ability, durability, sensation, and cosmetic result. RESULTS: Defects ranged in size from 0.8 to 6.0 cm. Patient records revealed no documented problems with function, durability, sensation, cosmesis, or wound infection. All patients reported excellent or good functional results and normal sensation within the scar, and most reported excellent or good scar durability and cosmesis. CONCLUSION: Second-intention healing is an effective option for repairing defects on the dorsum of the hand and fingers. Large defect size is not a contraindication for second-intention healing.