Clinical Cases of Composite Graft for Reconstruction of Fingertip Amputations using Combination Procedure of Tie-over Dressing and Drain

Kim, Myung Good; Ko, Ra Yong; Im, Tai Kyun; Baek, Rong Min

Abstract

The treatment of fingertip amputation is difficult and controversial. Although the microsurgery has been accepted as a procedure of choice, in distal location, however, both reattachment of amputated portion as a composite graft and microvascular anastomosis are prone to failure. The fact that microscopic reconstruction of vessels is safer means of replacing amputated digits, makes considerably smaller the need to use the technique of composite graft nowadays. Nevertheless, there still remains a group of distal digital amputations which cannot be replaced by microsurgical procedure and the composite grafting is the only way of achieving a full length digit with a normal nail complex. Nowadays, it is generally accepted that replacement should be made as early as possible for the prevention of bacterial and proteolytic activity. However, if the replacement is made so quickly that bleeding doesn't stop, there is a layer of clot blocking adhesion between the two surfaces, and the union will not be achieved. We report a new strategy: the tie-over dressing ensures not only fixation, but also hemostasis, and the drainage application is used to drain retained blood, so composite graft doesn't need to be delayed until the bleeding stops. We achieved good results by using this new technique.