The progressive evolution and late salvage of a posttraumatic digit with poor vascularization
has not been discussed in the literature. We report the cases of 3 patients whose
fingers were rescued at referral 5 to 16 days after the traumatic event by restoring
the arterial inflow by means of flow-through free flaps. All 3 fingers were compromised
vascularly with patchy necrosis and absence of Doppler signal distal to the injury.
All were salvaged. In our experience, in the setting of a posttraumatic digit with
poor vascularization, it is possible to reverse impending necrosis by late revascularization.
Frank infection or mummification is considered an irreversible state and a contraindication
to salvage.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
November 19,
2008
Received:
October 7,
2008
Footnotes
No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 Published by Elsevier Inc.
