Fingertip reconstruction by nail bed grafting using thenar flap.

Ideally, treatment for fingertip injury should involve the least pain possible, using durable and sensate skin with due consideration to aesthetic aspects. This paper presents two cases of fingertip reconstruction through the use of thenar flaps and nail bed grafts. In either case, injury had been due to fingertip crushing and reconstruction was conducted immediately thereafter. A full-thickness nail bed with hyponychium and perionychium from the severed part was used for dorsal reconstruction and thenar flaps for finger pulp reconstruction. In both cases, the grafting was quite satisfactory and good soft-tissue healing was observed. Subsequent nail growth and adherence were good. The outcome was pleasing to both patients. Thus, the presented method may be considered quite satisfactory from aesthetic and functional recovery standpoints.