[Qualitative retrospective study comparing 43 advanced-rotated flaps to 19 island type Venkataswami-Subramanian flaps]

Long-Term Outcomes of Atasoy Flap in Children With Distal Finger Trauma

PURPOSE

Distal finger trauma is one of the most frequent emergencies in children and has the potential for functional and cosmetic damage to the hand. The Atasoy flap (AF) is a vascularized, subcutaneous pedicle V-Y advancement flap used to cover a loss of distal finger substance. Our hypothesis was that the AF is a safe, reliable flap that results in few complications and gives satisfactory functional and cosmetic results in children.

METHODS

We retrospectively assessed children with distal finger trauma and AF pulp reconstruction in our pediatric orthopedic department between 2008 and 2017. The lesion zone was classified, and we also evaluated necrosis, infection, the shape of the pulp, pulp sensitivity (Weber test), hyponychial scarring, and the presence of a hook nail deformity. Lastly, we compared patients who developed a hook nail with those who did not.

RESULTS

Thirty children were included (mean age at trauma, 6.4 years [range, 1.3-15.7 years]). In 21 cases, the finger damage was located in Ishikawa subzone II. No cases of necrosis or infection were reported. Epicritical tactile sensitivity was good in 20 patients (67%). A hook nail deformity was observed in 15 children (50%) and hyponychial scarring in 22 patients (73%). The pulp had a normal shape in 13 children (43%). The hook nail group displayed more hyponychial scarring, greater nail dystrophy, and lower pulp sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

The AF yielded contrasting results. High reliability, good coverage, and minimal donor-site morbidity were compromised by suboptimal tip length/shape, nail appearance, and sensitivity.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

[Knowledge of flap complications in finger pulp surgery and patient education--ethical implications]

INTRODUCTION

The two highest French courts have recently decided that not to fully inform a patient constitutes negligence, and that doctors should be able to prove that the information has been given. The medical community is now debating as to how to protect physicians without harming the doctor-patient relationship. Following this study we put forward the hypothesis that although information might not be available to surgeons nevertheless this should not prevent them taking the ethical steps necessary to redress the situation.

METHODS

We conducted a telephone interview to discover what surgeons knew about the complications of finger flaps used for the reconstruction of pulp defects. Four flaps were studied: the VY flap described by Atasoy, the island finger flap known as Ventataswami's, the reverse island flap and the thenar flap. Surgeons were asked to give the percentage of necrosis, infection, sensory disturbances, digital stiffness and exclusion, as well as the time off work, the time of healing and the sensory discrimination of the flap. The results obtained were compared to those obtained by a literature review.

RESULTS

Twenty one qualified hand surgeons answered the questionnaire. Many answers were absent or only fragmentary when sought in the literature. Where complication rates were available, there was a huge variation among series. A large variety of answers was also found in our study. The direct island flap was the best known flap. Complications of the reverse island flap and the thenar flap were overestimated in the group interviewed.

DISCUSSION

There is no true answer, either in the literature or from the study group. There is a gulf between the jurists' demand and the possibilities of knowledge by surgeons. We are still waiting for clinical studies that will answer the questions asked by patients regarding the complications of surgery. However, even if absolute knowledge is not available, it is the ethical duty of surgeons to give the patient information that is as close as possible as the "truth", and that will be helpful to them.

Limits and indications of the dorsal transposition flap: critical evaluation of 15 cases

The dorsal transposition flap was used in 15 cases of distal fingertip amputation. The amputations were either oblique ulnar, oblique radial, oblique palmar, or transverse. Two flaps developed partial necrosis. Flat nail growth always occurred, but the nail was considered short in 4 cases due to a proximal amputation through the nail bed. The mean 2-point discrimination test result was 8 mm. Distal interphalangeal joint range of motion was normal in 5 cases. Four cases lacked 10 degrees from full extension, 9 cases lacked up to 20 degrees from full flexion, and 1 case lacked 35 degrees. Even if this procedure is simple, reliable, and fast, due to its limited size and arc of rotation, as well as its poor sensibility, this flap may only be indicated for oblique ulnar fingertip amputations.