The first dorsal metacarpal artery neurovascular island flap.

A first dorsal metacarpal artery island flap from the index finger was used in 20 cases for reconstruction of defects in the hand. In six cases it was used as a neurovascular flap for sensory resurfacing of the thumb and in five cases for release of a contracted first web. One flap underwent necrosis and there was a complication in one donor site.