A Comparison of Dorsal Branch of the Digital Nerve Versus Dorsal Digital Nerve for Finger Pulp Reconstruction

As the donor nerve attached with the flap, the dorsal branch of the digital nerve and the dorsal digital nerve is commonly used for finger pulp reconstruction.This study compares two donor nerves: the dorsal branch of the digital nerve and the dorsal digital nerve.

The investigators compares two donor nerves attached with the flap for sensory reconstruction of finger pulp: the dorsal branch of the digital nerve and the dorsal digital nerve. The main outcomes were static 2-point discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament scores of the flap, and pain and cold intorlence of the reconstructed finger.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The pulp or fingertip defect in only one finger
• A defect greater than or equal to 1.5 cm in length
• Necessity to preserve finger length
• A patient between 18 and 60 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

• Injuries to the dorsum of the middle phalanx
• Injuries to the course of the vascular pedicle or donor nerve
• A defect less than 1.5 cm in length
• Multiple finger pulp defect
• Extremely contaminated wounds