One-stage repair of both skin and tendon digital defects using the arterialized venous flap with palmaris longus tendon.

A novel technique of composite free-flap and tendon transfer is introduced and used in four patients to repair complicated finger injuries involving loss of skin and tendon. This is a one-stage procedure, providing unbulky, high-quality tissue. Although the final range of motion was disappointing, with an average of 10 degrees, there is justification for further clinical trials in patients with loss of skin and tendon in the digits.