The Neurovascular V-Y Advancement Flap: Revisiting a Novel Technique to Bridge Segmental Digital Nerve Defects up to 13mm.

Abstract

Digital nerve injuries can result in significant morbidity and loss of earning potential. This should ideally be repaired primarily but may require the use of grafting, conduits or allografts. We present a technique to achieve a tension free primary digital nerve repair using a homodigital V-Y advancement flap. Follow up at 3 months showed no difference in 2 point discrimination compared to the contralateral side. This technique adds to the surgeon’s armamentarium when faced with nerve defects that are less than 15mm but still too large for a conventional primary repair.