Reconstruction of Composite Soft Tissue Defect in the Distal Finger Using Partial Toenail Flap Transfer

OBJECTIVE: Composite tissue loss involving the distal finger pulp and the nail is a common but challenging finger injury to restore. This study introduces a reconstruction procedure for a distal finger pulp and nail defect using a partial toenail flap transfer. METHODS: Twenty digits, including 16 thumbs, two index fingers, and two middle fingers, with composite soft tissue defects were treated with a partial toenail flap transfer from October 2015 to January 2020. Shortening revision of the great toe phalanx, a V‐Y advancement flap of the toe pulp, and a local pedicle flap from a second toe transfer were used to cover the donor sites, and no skin grafts were required. Functionality was evaluated using the validated Spanish version of the Quick‐DASH scale. The aesthetics of both the reconstructed and donor sites were evaluated using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). The static two‐point discrimination (2‐PD) of the finger pulp was used as a measure of tactile agnosia. RESULTS: All donor site wounds healed well. The average follow‐up time was 23.6 months (6–39 months). The mean Quick‐DASH functional score was 7.1. The VSS scores were 4.02 ± 0.29 and 4.00 ± 0.38 for the reconstructed and donor sites, respectively. The static 2‐PD of finger pulp was 4.5 ± 0.76 mm. The patients were satisfied with finger motion, sensory function, and aesthetic contour. CONCLUSIONS: Partial toenail flap transfer is the recommended treatment to regain motion, sensation, function, and a satisfactory aesthetic appearance when considering repairing a composite soft tissue distal finger defect with accompanying loss of the perionychium, particularly in the thumb, index finger, or middle finger.