OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use and efficacy of digital artery perforator (DAP) flaps in fingertip reconstruction. METHODS: From 2007 to 2011, 7 fingers of 5 patients (4 male, 1 female) underwent fingertip reconstruction with extended DAP flaps following traumatic fingertip amputation. Average flap size was 4.25 cm². RESULTS: All flaps survived except one case in which partial skin necrosis was observed and treated with wet-dressing. Donor sites were closed with full-thickness skin grafting in 5 and primarily in 2 fingers. We did not observe hypersensitivity or cold intolerance in repaired fingers. CONCLUSION: The DAP flap is a reliable, free-style perforator flap that can be used for all types of fingertip injuries.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use and efficacy of digital artery perforator (DAP) flaps in fingertip reconstruction. METHODS: From 2007 to 2011, 7 fingers of 5 patients (4 male, 1 female) underwent fingertip reconstruction with extended DAP flaps following traumatic fingertip amputation. Average flap size was 4.25 cm². RESULTS: All flaps survived except one case in which partial skin necrosis was observed and treated with wet-dressing. Donor sites were closed with full-thickness skin grafting in 5 and primarily in 2 fingers. We did not observe hypersensitivity or cold intolerance in repaired fingers. CONCLUSION: The DAP flap is a reliable, free-style perforator flap that can be used for all types of fingertip injuries.