Anatomical basis of lengthening nail-bed and application in repair of fingertip traverse defect

Objective: To introduce a repair method for fingertip traverse defect with nail-bed partial defect. Methods: 16 cases fingertip traverse defect with nail-bed partial defect were treated with digital artery reverse island flap and lengthening nail-bed. The average area of the island flap was about 1.5 cm×1.0 cm. Results: Flaps of all cases survived. After 8 to 20 months of postoperative follow-up, with an average of 15 months, the appearance of fingertip was extremely good, while the texture of flap was soft. The finger had no tenderness and motor disturbance. Finger nail extended about 3.5 mm averagely after operation. Conclusions: Repairing of fingertip traverse defect with digital artery reverse island flap and lengthening nail-bed are easy to operate and can get satisfactory appearance. It is a good method for the reconstruction of fingertip .