Reconstruction of traumatic finger defects with split groin flap

Abstract

Pedicled groin flap is a treatment option in use for hand defects caused by trauma or other etiologic factors. It gains particular significance in multiple finger defects, especially in those with one intact digital artery or in hand defects that cannot be reconstructed with regional flaps. Although several studies have reported the use of split groin flap in the reconstruction of such defects, no previous study has reported cases where specifically complex volar defects of two adjacent fingers. We present the reconstruction of two adjacent fingers with a split groin flap. A 22-year-old male patient, active smoker, admitted to our clinic for second and third finger volar complex defects in his right hand due to traffic accident. It was contaminated with asphalt tar, and bone and flexor tendons were exposed. After initial debridement, the patient was followed up by outpatient treatment until an appropriate wound surface was obtained. Then, split groin flap was planned. The flap was divided in the 3rd postoperative week and adapted to the wounds. In the follow-up period, no flap loss occurred, and the patient did not require any flap revision or additional surgery. Split groin flap is a reliable flap option for complex volar finger defects.

Keywords

• Axial flap
• complex finger defect
• split groin flap