[Digital island autograft flaps in pulp defects. 18 cases].

Eighteen homodigital island flaps were performed for pulp defects over a period of two years in the Hand Emergency unit. Apart from one failure due to an incorrect indication, the results confirmed the excellent trophicity of the flap and its aesthetic appearance was appreciated by the 17 patients. Discrimination on Weber's test, the possibilities of advancement, and the fact that the size of the flap can be tailored to individual needs make it one of the most attractive alternatives in this type of indication. However, postoperative stiffness of the PIP joint is an almost constant disadvantage requiring an extension splint as soon as possible. The homodigital island flap is an elegant, minimally disfiguring flap indicated in pulp defects or distal palmar or lateral pulp amputations.